**1999 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe**
**Definition:**
The 1999 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe was a prestigious Group 1 flat horse race held at Longchamp Racecourse in Paris, France. It was the 78th running of the event, contested over a distance of 2,400 metres (approximately 1½ miles), and is widely regarded as one of the most important races in European thoroughbred racing.
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## 1999 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
The 1999 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe took place on Sunday, October 3, 1999, at Longchamp Racecourse in Paris, France. As the 78th edition of the race, it continued the tradition of attracting the finest middle-distance thoroughbreds from across Europe and beyond. The race is often considered the pinnacle of the European flat racing calendar, and the 1999 running was no exception, featuring a competitive field of elite horses, jockeys, and trainers.
### Background
The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, inaugurated in 1920, is held annually at Longchamp Racecourse and is open to thoroughbreds aged three years and older. The race is run over 2,400 metres (about 1½ miles) on turf and is known for its challenging distance and the quality of its participants. By 1999, the race had established itself as a key event in the international racing calendar, often serving as a contest between the best middle-distance horses from Europe, with occasional entries from other continents.
The 1999 edition was particularly notable for the quality of the field and the tactical nature of the race. The race is traditionally run in early October, a time when many horses are at their peak form, having competed in various preparatory races throughout the summer and early autumn.
### The Contenders
The 1999 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe attracted a strong field of contenders, including several horses with impressive records in Group 1 races. The main contenders included:
– **Montjeu (IRE)**: A three-year-old colt trained by John Hammond and owned by Michael Tabor and Susan Magnier. Montjeu had already established himself as a leading middle-distance horse, having won the Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby) and the Irish Derby earlier in the season. He was ridden by jockey Michael Kinane.
– **El Condor Pasa (JPN)**: A Japanese-bred four-year-old colt trained by Yoshitaka Ninomiya. El Condor Pasa had gained international acclaim after winning the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud in 1998 and had finished second in the 1999 Japan Cup. He was considered a strong contender for the Arc.
– **Daylami (IRE)**: A four-year-old Irish-bred horse trained by Saeed bin Suroor for Godolphin. Daylami had a versatile racing record and was known for his strong finishing kick. He was ridden by jockey Frankie Dettori.
– **Oath (IRE)**: The Epsom Derby winner of 1999, trained by Henry Cecil and ridden by Kieren Fallon. Oath was a three-year-old colt with a strong reputation but was considered less experienced over the Arc distance.
– **Croco Rouge (FR)**: A French-trained horse with solid form in Group races, considered a potential dark horse in the race.
Other notable runners included horses from France, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, each bringing their own credentials and hopes for victory.
### Race Conditions
The 1999 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe was run on good to soft ground, a condition that can influence the performance of horses depending on their preference for firmer or softer turf. The weather on race day was typical for early October in Paris, with mild temperatures and no significant rainfall affecting the track.
The race distance of 2,400 metres requires a combination of speed, stamina, and tactical positioning, making it a true test for the participating thoroughbreds. The Longchamp track is left-handed with a sweeping final turn and a long home straight, allowing for dramatic finishes and strategic riding.
### The Race
The race began with a moderate pace set by the front runners, with jockeys carefully positioning their mounts to conserve energy for the final stages. Montjeu, ridden by Michael Kinane, was held in mid-division during the early part of the race, allowing him to avoid the early speed duel.
El Condor Pasa and Daylami were also positioned prominently, with jockeys Frankie Dettori and Olivier Peslier (riding El Condor Pasa) keeping their horses within striking distance of the leaders.
As the field entered the home straight, the pace quickened dramatically. Montjeu made a decisive move with approximately 400 metres remaining, accelerating smoothly to take the lead. Despite strong challenges from Daylami and El Condor Pasa, Montjeu maintained his advantage, demonstrating both stamina and a powerful finishing burst.
Montjeu crossed the finish line first, securing a commanding victory by a margin of two lengths. Daylami finished second, with El Condor Pasa in third place. The race was praised for its high quality and the impressive performance of the winner.
### Results
| Position | Horse | Age | Jockey | Trainer | Owner(s) | Time |
|———-|—————–|—–|—————-|—————–|—————————|————|
| 1st | Montjeu (IRE) | 3 | Michael Kinane | John Hammond | Michael Tabor & Susan Magnier | 2:28.8 |
| 2nd | Daylami (IRE) | 4 | Frankie Dettori| Saeed bin Suroor| Godolphin | +2 lengths |
| 3rd | El Condor Pasa (JPN) | 4 | Olivier Peslier | Yoshitaka Ninomiya | Takashi Watanabe | +3 lengths |
| 4th | Croco Rouge (FR)| 4 | Dominique Boeuf| André Fabre | Daniel Wildenstein | |
| 5th | Oath (IRE) | 3 | Kieren Fallon | Henry Cecil | Khalid Abdullah | |
The winning time of 2:28.8 was considered a solid performance on the good to soft ground.
### Significance and Aftermath
Montjeu’s victory in the 1999 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe cemented his status as one of the leading middle-distance horses of his generation. The win was a highlight of his racing career and contributed to his later success as a sire, where he became one of the most influential stallions in European racing.
The race also underscored the international nature of the Arc, with strong performances from horses trained in Ireland, France, and Japan. Daylami’s second-place finish was a precursor to his own future success, as he would go on to win the Arc in 2000.
El Condor Pasa’s third-place finish was a notable achievement for Japanese racing, demonstrating the increasing competitiveness of Japanese-bred horses on the international stage.
### Legacy
The 1999 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is remembered for the dominance of Montjeu and the high quality of the field. It exemplified the tactical complexity and international appeal of the race, which continues to attract the best horses from around the world.
Montjeu’s victory contributed to the prestige of his connections, including trainer John Hammond and owners Michael Tabor and Susan Magnier, who have been prominent figures in European racing.
The race also highlighted the growing globalization of thoroughbred racing, with horses from different continents competing at the highest level.
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## Race Details
– **Date:** October 3, 1999
– **Location:** Longchamp Racecourse, Paris, France
– **Distance:** 2,400 metres (approximately 1½ miles)
– **Surface:** Turf
– **Going:** Good to soft
– **Number of runners:** 15
– **Winner’s time:** 2:28.8
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## Key Participants
### Montjeu (IRE)
– **Foaled:** 1996
– **Sire:** Sadler’s Wells
– **Dam:** Floripedes (Top Ville)
– **Trainer:** John Hammond
– **Jockey:** Michael Kinane
– **Owner:** Michael Tabor & Susan Magnier
Montjeu was a highly talented middle-distance horse known for his strong finishing speed and stamina. His pedigree combined the influence of Sadler’s Wells, a leading sire, with the stamina-rich bloodline of Top Ville. Montjeu’s victory in the 1999 Arc was the pinnacle of his racing career before he retired to stud.
### Daylami (IRE)
– **Foaled:** 1994
– **Sire:** Doyoun
– **Dam:** Daltawa (Miswaki)
– **Trainer:** Saeed bin Suroor
– **Jockey:** Frankie Dettori
– **Owner:** Godolphin
Daylami was a versatile and durable horse, capable of competing at the highest level over a range of distances. His second-place finish in the 1999 Arc was part of a distinguished career that included multiple Group 1 victories.
### El Condor Pasa (JPN)
– **Foaled:** 1995
– **Sire:** Kingmambo
– **Dam:** Saddlers Gal (Sadler’s Wells)
– **Trainer:** Yoshitaka Ninomiya
– **Jockey:** Olivier Peslier
– **Owner:** Takashi Watanabe
El Condor Pasa was one of Japan’s most successful international runners, known for his strong performances in Europe and Japan. His third-place finish in the 1999 Arc was a testament to his class and adaptability.
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## Historical Context
The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe has long been a race that defines the careers of the best middle-distance horses in Europe. The 1999 edition continued this tradition, showcasing the talents of horses that would leave a lasting impact on the sport.
Montjeu’s victory was part of a broader trend in the late 1990s and early 2000s, where Irish-bred and trained horses, often connected to the Coolmore Stud operation, dominated European middle-distance racing.
The race also reflected the increasing internationalization of the sport, with horses from Japan and the Middle East competing alongside European contenders.
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## Conclusion
The 1999 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe was a memorable running of one of the world’s most prestigious horse races. Montjeu’s commanding victory highlighted his exceptional talent and solidified his place in racing history. The race featured a strong international field and was run under conditions that tested the stamina and speed of the participants. It remains a significant event in the annals of thoroughbred racing.
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**Meta Description:**
The 1999 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe was the 78th running of the prestigious Group 1 race at Longchamp, won by Montjeu in a commanding performance against a strong international field.