Chantilly, the Capital of Racing for an Exceptional Day

Some sporting events transcend competition itself. The Qatar Prix du Jockey Club (Gr.1) is one of them. Each year, the prestigious Chantilly Racecourse welcomes Europe’s best three-year-old thoroughbreds for the French equivalent of the Epsom Derby (Gr.1), a legendary contest that captivates both racing enthusiasts and lovers of major sporting occasions.

But a visit to Chantilly is about far more than watching a race. It is about experiencing a unique day in one of the most beautiful settings in world racing, at the heart of the princely Chantilly estate, surrounded by the château, the Great Stables and a racecourse renowned across the globe.

The atmosphere will gradually build towards the eagerly anticipated Qatar Prix du Jockey Club, the highlight of the day, bringing together the finest three-year-olds in a race of international prestige. Every year, this contest unveils future stars of the global racing scene and delivers a unique spectacle before packed grandstands. Scheduled for 4.30pm, the 2026 edition has attracted a particularly strong international field of sixteen runners, including several unbeaten or rapidly improving colts.

Among the leading contenders is Hawk Mountain, trained by Aidan O’Brien and partnered by Christophe Soumillon, who has won four of his five starts. His stablemate Constitution River, ridden by Ryan Moore, also arrives with an appealing profile after two consecutive victories, although he will have to overcome stall 15. The Aga Khan colours will be strongly represented by Dolmalan, unbeaten in three starts, and Daryzan, a recent winner trained by Francis-Henri Graffard and a brother to Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Gr.1) winner Daryz.

French hopes will also rest with Komorebi, the Godolphin representative trained by André Fabre and ridden by William Buick, as well as Segall, a recent Group winner carrying the colours of David Layani. Not to be overlooked are Oxagon, supplemented for the race and partnered by Oisin Murphy, and Pearled Majesty, who comes here on the back of three consecutive victories and could well spring a surprise.

The afternoon’s action begins with the Prix de Royaumont (Gr.3) at 2.05pm, for three-year-old fillies over 2,400 metres. Particular attention will be focused on Behrayna, unbeaten in two starts for Francis-Henri Graffard, and Zlata, representing Wertheimer & Frère and partnered by Maxime Guyon.

At 2.40pm, the spotlight turns to the Grand Prix de Chantilly (Gr.2), one of the leading contests for older horses over the classic distance of 2,400 metres. Racing fans will notably see Goliath, already a top-level winner, Cualificar, André Fabre’s Godolphin runner, and Oracle, another highly regarded representative of the Fabre stable.

Following this feature event, spectators can continue to enjoy the action with the spectacular Prix du Gros-Chêne (Gr.3) at 3.53pm, a true speed festival contested over Chantilly’s straight 1,000 metres. The crowd will have the opportunity to cheer on the formidable Sajir, partnered by Oisin Murphy, the veteran Ponntos, and promising young sprinters Moojeed and Afjan.

The day’s Group programme concludes in style with the Prix de Sandringham (Gr.2) at 5.15pm, a key test for the best three-year-old fillies over the mile. Among the leading attractions are Demah, a recent winner in the colours of Al Shaqab Racing, Pierchic, a remarkably consistent performer for Henri-Alex Pantall, and Green Sense, partnered by Maxime Guyon.

Combining top-class sport, elegance, entertainment and exceptional heritage, the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club offers the perfect opportunity to discover or rediscover Chantilly. Whether attending with family, friends or simply to enjoy a great sporting occasion, visitors can expect a memorable experience in a unique setting.

On May 31, all roads lead to Chantilly.