The Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Fr-I) racing weekend Oct. 6-7 will offer a first-ever opportunity to American handicappers—a chance to bet into the world's second-largest pari-mutuel pool and potentially reap the rewards of big payoffs.
AmWest Entertainment has joined with France's Pari Mutuel Urbain, which is Europe's leading pari-mutuel operator, to create the landmark commingled international wagering pool. The Oct. 6 weekend at Longchamp Racecourse in Paris features 15 races, including seven group Is of which the €4 million (about $5.15 million) Arc de Triomphe is the marquee event. In 2011, a total of $60 million was wagered on the two Arc weekend programs, with more than $36 million on Arc day alone.
"In keeping with our ongoing commitment to bring the best of international racing and wagering to North America, AmWest is delighted to provide the opportunity to bet into the second-largest pari-mutuel pool in the world and enjoy the best payoffs and wagering options," said Nelson Clemmens, AmWest's chief executive officer. "We believe Arc Weekend will be the most rewarding racing and wagering experience possible."
A strong lineup of potential runners is preparing for the Arc, led by Japanese Triple Crown winner Orfevre, who has banked over $12.3 million; Breeders' Cup Turf (gr. I) winner St Nicholas Abbey, earner of $4.26 million; and Epsom Derby (Eng-I) and 2,000 Guineas (Eng-I) winner Camelot, earner of $2.8 million.
"PMU has the greatest pool open to commingling in the world, and we have been working on developing the access to it," said Aymeric Verlet, PMU's international director. "We believe that the extraordinary quality of French races and the big PMU pools will be of much interest to U.S. players."
The Oct. 7 program will begin at 7:20 am EDT, with eight Thoroughbred races for wagering extending through 12:25 p.m. The Oct. 6 program, which includes three group II races among five Thoroughbred races to kick off Arc Weekend, will begin at 7:30 a.m. extending through a final post at 10:10 a.m.
