The Arc 2020: all you need to know for the big day at Longchamp

The Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is a hugely important race that brings together the top middle-distance performers from Europe and beyond.

It is run at Longchamp racecourse over a mile and a half and is open to colts and fillies aged three and over, with this year's contest due off at 3.05pm (BST) on Sunday, October 4.

The Arc is traditionally held on the first Sunday of October, and, although the race is still being run in its usual slot, the coronavirus pandemic means there will be additional restrictions to ensure it can be staged safely.

The capacity of the crowd has been capped at 1,000, with priority given to connections of runners. The Arc will be broadcast live in more than 50 countries, and in Britain it will be available on ITV, with coverage beginning at 12.55pm.

Racing TV and Sky Sports Racing will also be showing the action, while you can also stream and bet on the race on the Racing Post website and mobile app.

Montjeu: won the Arc in 1999Credit: Edward Whitaker

What is the Arc and why it is so important?

The Arc is one of the biggest and most prestigious global races with a rich history dating back to Comrade's inaugural win in 1920.

It is an exacting test for the cream of the middle-distance crop in Europe, while the race has also become a holy grail for Japan, though the prize has to date eluded the racing-mad nation. As well as pitting the top three-year-olds of the season against each other, the Arc is open to older horses, which makes a fascinating clash of generations.

Given its importance and prestige, winning the Arc is not only a huge achievement in sporting, but also from a breeding perspective for prospective stallions and mares.

Who is running in the 2020 Arc?

This year the race centres around Enable's bid for an unprecedented third Arc. The John Gosden-trained mare captured the race in 2017 and 2018, before finding only Waldgeist too good when attempting to make history last year.

Her main opponent in this year's betting is Love. Trained by Aidan O'Brien, Love is unbeaten in three starts this season, winning the 1,000 Guineas, Oaks and Yorkshire Oaks.

Superstar stayer Stradivarius, Aidan O'Brien's Grand Prix de Paris winner Mogul, last year's Arc third Sottsass and talented filly Raabihah are other leading fancies behind the big two for this year's race.

Treve: like Enable, a double Arc winnerCredit: Edward Whitaker

Which horses have won the Arc?

Enable is one of eight double winners, but the Arc has been the stage for an illustrious roll call of top-class performers.

Ribot, Sea Bird, Mill Reef, Alleged, Montjeu, Sea The Stars and Treve are just some of the stars to have won the Group 1.

The Racing Post is running a series on the ten greatest winners of the Arc, which members can read here.

Who should I back?

The question everybody wants answered!

Firstly, have a look at the Arc card, and check out our free bet offers.

Make sure you keep checking the Racing Post website, mobile app and newspaper for all our expert betting advice and news in the run-up to the big meeting.

Read more of our Arc coverage . . .

Spencer's passion convinces Deirdre team in search of Japan's first Arc win

Britain's Arc challenge reduced as Telecaster ruled out by Morrison

The Stradivarius task: recalling three star stayers who tried to win the Arc

Dettori taking no chances ahead of second bid to make history on Enable

Enable new Arc favourite as heavy rain leaves Longchamp 'very soft'

Olivier Peslier relishing chance to partner 'super horse' Stradivarius