France's most prestigious Flat race, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, has received a significant cash boost of 1,750,000 francs (approximately Stg£192,500). The big Longchamp prize will be worth a total of 8,750,000 francs (approximately Stg£925,000) in 1999.

The announcement by France Galop, the ruling body of French racing, means that the winner of the race will net five million francs compared to four million francs 12 months ago.

The increase has been made possible by an injection of funds by FEE (the French branch of the European Breeders Fund).