The Arc de Triomphe, France's showcase race, is to benefit from a four-year sponsorship deal with the hotels and casino group, Lucien Barriere.

The mile and a half race, run on the first Sunday in October at Longchamp, had been struggling to find a sponsor. Not any more.

The deal starts this year with the total purse set to rise this year to £941,873 sterling with £538,213 going to the winner.

The winner's take home pay will increase to £645,856 next year.

Jean Luc-Lagardere, the French racing supremo, said: "Since its inception, the Arc has always been an outstanding test of performance. The deal represents an exciting page in the race's history."

Aidan O'Brien yesterday withdrew Buffalo Berry from the line up of the Group One Prix Morny at Deauville on Sunday.