On the eve of the ARC Prix Maurice de Gheest – Fonds Européen de l’Élevage, Deauville is already thrilling us
Marquisat - Crédit Scoopdyga
On Saturday, as a prelude to the ARC Prix Maurice de Gheest – Fonds Européen de l’Élevage, the headline act of Sunday’s card, the Normandy track will offer an enticing taster menu. The highlight will be the Prix Dubaï Racing Club (Prix de Reux) (Group 3), which brings together top-class older horses in what promises to be a great spectacle.
Only five runners will go to post, but the quality of this 2,500-metre Group 3 is undeniable. André Fabre, in excellent form since the start of the meeting with more than eight winners already, will saddle two top stayers. Marquisat (Zarak) is set to make his seasonal comeback. Absent since finishing sixth in the Group 1 Hong Kong Vase in December, Marquisat finds here an ideal entry to begin his campaign. His stablemate Sevenna’s Knight (Camelot), a model of consistency at a high level, would richly deserve a long-awaited win. Taking on the Chantilly duo is Simca Mille (Tamayuz), unbeaten this year in France and the logical favourite. Uther (Camelot), more exposed at intermediate level, will aim for a place, as will Rashford (Zarak), fifth in this race last year and always capable of picking up a cheque in this kind of field.
Two other black type races
To round off Saturday’s strong card, two appealing Listed races will be run. The Prix de la Vallée d’Auge, a sprint for 2-year-olds, will see four international challengers try to upset the local hopefuls down the Deauville straight. Later in the day, the Prix Michel Houyvet, also a Listed race, will gather eleven 3-year-old stayers in a competitive and open field.
Amateur riders in the spotlight
From 7 to 11 August, Deauville and Clairefontaine will host the International Amateur Riders’ Weekend. On Saturday, Deauville will stage two classic races of the Trophée Studio Harcourt: the Prix Hôtel Barrière for lady riders, and the 70th Prix Georges Courtois for gentlemen. Both events have become unmissable highlights for amateur jockeys, with over ten runners expected in each race. All the ingredients are in place for a day full of emotions and adrenaline!