The 1969 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Trophy
The 1969 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Trophy:
The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is a Group 1 flat horse race in France
open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at
Longchamp Racecourse in Paris over a distance of 2,400 metres. The
race is scheduled to take place each year in the autumn, usually on
the first Sunday in October. In 1969 the win and the trophy awarded to
the Irish-trained Levmoss, the trophy will be offered by us on
Tuesday, 24th February 2026, at 2:00 PM.
On 5 October 1969, Levmoss caused a sensation at Longchamp, winning at
52/1 odds and setting a new course record, beating Parc Top ridden by
Lester Piggott, Piggott later admitted he made his move too late on
the outside, finishing 3/4 of a length behind the winner. . Trained by
Seamus McGrath and ridden by Bill Williamson, his victory earned
approximately £90,000—a staggering sum at the time, and to put that in
context according to google in 1969, a 3-bed semi-detached house in
Ireland cost roughly between £3,000 and £5,000. This triumph capped a
historic season for Levmoss, following wins in the Ascot Gold Cup and
the Prix du Cadran. McGrath was the trainer, his stables were in
Glencarin in south Dublin also known as the Gallops where Levmoss Hall
is located.
The trophy was retailed by Puiforcat, Paris, and bears the maker’s
mark of Emile Puiforcat. It weighs approximately 5,105 grams and
measures 16 inches wide by 10 inches high. Trophies of this importance
rarely reach the market, and it is expected to fetch between
€8,000–€12,000. You can view a video of the historic race here:
https://youtu.be/ir1Wrwcf9sg