Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe returns home to Longchamp Racecourse

    By Bianca Britton, CNN

    Updated 1542 GMT (2342 HKT) October 3, 2018

    Longchamp racecourse is back with a bang ...
    Photos: Longchamp welcomes back Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
    Longchamp racecourse is back with a bang ...
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    An aerial photograph of Longchamp showing Paris and the Eiffel Tower in the distance. The racecourse has undergone a $145M revamp.
    Photos: Longchamp welcomes back Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
    Longchamp Racecourse – An aerial photograph of Longchamp showing Paris and the Eiffel Tower in the distance. The racecourse has undergone a $145M revamp.
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    The new grandstand was designed by architect Dominique Perrault, who took his inspiration from galloping horses.
    Photos: Longchamp welcomes back Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
    The new grandstand was designed by architect Dominique Perrault, who took his inspiration from galloping horses.
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    It now offers "transparent" views both east towards Paris and the Eiffel Tower, and west across the River Seine.
    Photos: Longchamp welcomes back Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
    It now offers "transparent" views both east towards Paris and the Eiffel Tower, and west across the River Seine.
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    Perrault is the architect who is working on the athletes village for the Paris 2024.
    Photos: Longchamp welcomes back Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
    Perrault is the architect who is working on the athletes village for the Paris 2024.
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    It is hoped that the grandstand will attract business when racing events aren't being staged.
    Photos: Longchamp welcomes back Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
    It is hoped that the grandstand will attract business when racing events aren't being staged.
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    Longchamp's redevelopment began in October 2015.
    Photos: Longchamp welcomes back Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
    Longchamp's redevelopment began in October 2015.
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    The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe moved to Chantilly for two years while upgrades at Longchamp were carried out. This year's Arc meeting, on October 6 and 7, will feature 16 flat races, including nine of Group 1 status.
    Photos: Longchamp welcomes back Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
    The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe moved to Chantilly for two years while upgrades at Longchamp were carried out. This year's Arc meeting, on October 6 and 7, will feature 16 flat races, including nine of Group 1 status.
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    Longchamp Racecourse first opened in 1857 -- Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie attended.
    Photos: Longchamp welcomes back Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
    Longchamp Racecourse first opened in 1857 -- Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie attended.
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    Longchamp Racecourse became home to the prestigious Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in 1920, when horses would compete equally without any handicapping from previous results.
    Photos: Longchamp welcomes back Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
    Longchamp Racecourse became home to the prestigious Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in 1920, when horses would compete equally without any handicapping from previous results.
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    The name "Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe" was chosen to pay tribute to the French soldiers who served in WWI.
    Photos: Longchamp welcomes back Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
    The name "Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe" was chosen to pay tribute to the French soldiers who served in WWI.
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