LONGCHAMP bosses expect British and Irish racegoers to notice "a big difference" during Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend in October - after a thumbs-down at the Paris track in 2018.
Longchamp welcomed back Europe's middle-distance championship - staged at Chantilly for the previous two years - last autumn, with the newly built £120million grandstand the centre of attention.
Visitors from Britain and Ireland, who had paid increased admission prices, voiced criticism over the ability of the new facilities - food and drink, toilets and betting - to cope with the demand.
But everything will be ship shape when Enable bids for a record-breaking third Arc victory this autumn.
Announcing an increase in catering outlets, bars, toilets and betting terminals - France Galop’s Olivier Delloye said: “The British and Irish make a great contribution to Arc weekend.
“They account for 40% of our customers and create an atmosphere that is rarely seen on French racecourses.
“It is not unusual for a racecourse that has opened following a redevelopment - Ascot and the Curragh being recent examples - to have problems.
“That was the case with Longchamp last October, and we have taken note of the criticisms from our visitors.
“We hope that they will notice a big difference in October - and that they will enjoy a happy customer experience," added Delloye, who announced that entry costs will come down for this year's two-day fixture, which takes place on October 5 and 6.
