The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe card is Europe's answer to the Breeders' Cup and helps to settle the European year-end championships in several divisions with five Group 1 races on the card in addition to the Arc. All races on Arc day were contested over the "Grande Piste" turf course except the Prix de l'Abbaye which was run over the "Ligne Droite" or straight line course.
The Prix de l'Opera Casino Barriere d'Enghien (G1) features older fillies and mares going 2000 meters (about 1 1/4 miles) for a purse of 250,000 euros. 6-5 second choice Mandesha stalked the quick pace of Irridescence in fifth early, and then jockey Christophe Soumillon found room near the rail to put in a challenge from the inside. Mandesha took over the lead with 100 meters to go and held off 17-1 Satwa Queen by 3/4 length in 2:00.90. 9-10 favorite Alexandrova closed from last but could not make up enough ground through the lane, finishing third beaten 3 1/4 lengths.
