A New Step on the Road to the Arc

On Sunday, May 4 at ParisLongchamp, a new prep race for the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe joins the calendar: the Prix d’Hédouville (Group 3). Several horses that have featured on this race’s honours list have gone on to win or place in France’s most prestigious flat race, held every first Sunday of October. Two additional Listed races for fillies will also keep the crowd on the edge of their seats. A perfect opportunity to size up the main contenders.

The Prix d’Hédouville, the Highlight of the Card

The feature race of the day, the Prix d’Hédouville, will be run over 2,400 metres at 2:33 PM. Open to horses aged four and up, this race often draws future stars over middle distances—races run between 2,000 and 3,000 metres. Last year, it was Goliath (Adlerflug), trained by Chantilly-based Francis-Henri Graffard, who claimed victory before shining in England in the prestigious King George VI and Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes (Group 1)—regarded as the “summer Arc” and open to geldings like Goliath, unlike the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

This year, Francis-Henri Graffard, currently leading the trainer rankings in France, will saddle two runners: Mont de Soleil (Siyouni), a recent Listed winner on this very track in mid-April, and Sibayan (Blame), who just took a Class 2 event at Compiègne.

Dual Group 1 winner Junko (Intello), who hasn’t been seen since June 2024, will carry the famous blue and white silks of Wertheimer & Frère. He is trained by André Fabre, as is Sevennas’ Knight (Camelot), fifth in last year’s Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and already seen this season in encouraging form. A varied but strong lineup is expected for what promises to be a very competitive race.

Three-Year-Old Fillies Out for Revenge in the Prix de la Seine

The first Listed of the day, the Prix de la Seine (2,200 metres), is reserved for three-year-old fillies. Six will line up, most of whom are already familiar with one another. They previously clashed in late March at Saint-Cloud in the Prix Pénélope (Group 3), a classic stepping stone toward the Prix de Diane Longines, the ultimate spring goal for top fillies.

Kiamba (Australia), trained by Mario Baratti, finished third that day and will try to confirm her form against Konada (Toronado), who came fourth, and Cortella (Telecaster), who was sixth. A compelling rematch is in store on a slightly different but equally revealing course.

First Step Towards the Royallieu in the Prix Gold River

Finally, the Prix Gold River (2,800 metres) will also showcase female talent. Many of the runners are returning from a winter break, such as Olatz de Vega (Lope de Vega) and Agile (Rock of Gibraltar). Miss Dynamite (Vadamos), coming from Poland, will make her first appearance on French turf. She’ll face experienced and gritty rivals like Jannah Pearl (Galileo) and Full of Hope (Saxon Warrior), both of whom could well play spoiler.

This race is part of a programme specially designed for older fillies and mares (four years and up), with the goal of preparing them for the top staying contests throughout the season, culminating in the Qatar Prix de Royallieu held the day before the Arc. This Group 1 race, a recent addition to the European calendar, gives them a prestigious opportunity to compete exclusively among their peers—a crucial victory for any future broodmare career.