An intercontinental showdown awaits on the final Sunday of the Deauville meeting

The Sumbe Prix Morny (Sunday, 3:50 pm) celebrates its 151st edition. A true showcase for 2-year-olds, it is the first French Group 1 open to the new generation, contested flat out over 1,200m.

Every summer, the Morny brings together the best juveniles from Europe – and beyond. This year, all eyes will be on Outfielder, the bay colt owned by AMO Racing and former baseball star Jayson Werth, who also features in Netflix’s Race for the Crown. Trained by Wesley Ward, the American sprint specialist already successful in this race with No Nay Never (2013), Lady Aurelia (2015) and Campanelle (2020), Outfielder arrives in Normandy seeking a fourth victory for his mentor. After opening his account at Churchill Downs, he missed Royal Ascot but is now ready to strike in France.

Later in the afternoon (5:00 pm), the spotlight turns to the Sumbe Prix Jean Romanet. Open to fillies and mares aged three and up, the 2,000m contest has become a key late-summer test before ParisLongchamp, whether for the Prix de l’Opéra Longines or even the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. The race has seen its share of champions, notably Mqse de Sévigné, the only mare to achieve the Rothschild–Romanet double two years running (2023, 2024).

On Sunday, Cankoura will be under scrutiny. The grey filly of the Aga Khan Studs, third in the Prix de Diane and an authoritative winner of the Prix de Psyché, now steps up again. Victory would also mark a landmark: the first Group 1 success as a sire for Persian King.

The Jean Romanet honours a central figure in French racing (1914–2003), who presided over France Galop – then the Société d’Encouragement – for three decades. His legacy includes the Afasec, the Group race system, the international federation, and much more. The Romanet family has long been woven into the sport’s history, with Maurice (creator of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in 1920) and Louis, Jean’s son, who led France Galop until 2007.

Finally, the name Sumbe, sponsor of both Group 1s on the day, highlights the ambition of Nurlan Bizakov, whose operation spans Montfort & Préaux, Mézeray and Hesmonds Stud. A fitting partner for Deauville’s blend of history and future.