One Last Gala Sunday at Saint-Cloud

The splendid French racing season is drawing to a close… but not without flair! This Sunday, Saint-Cloud Racecourse will play host to a final equestrian fireworks display, featuring none other than the last three Group 1 races of the year. Three major events—and a final opportunity for horses and their connections to leave a lasting impression before winter sets in.

The Critérium International, reserved for two-year-olds and run over 1,600 metres, will open the festivities. Just one French colt, Campacite, will attempt to fend off international competition in this race, which often reveals future top-class performers. Next up is the Critérium de Saint-Cloud, also for two-year-olds, but contested over 2,000 metres. Four French-trained colts are set to start, determined to defend their colours against their foreign rivals.

The grand finale will be the Prix Royal-Oak, run over 3,100 metres and reserved for stayers. Double Major, a two-time defending champion, will be aiming for a historic third consecutive win. However, he’ll face stiff competition from Caballo de Mar, whose team paid €25,200 at the last minute to secure his place in the race. That’s bad news for the French contingent, as Caballo de Mar is coming off a victory in the Prix du Cadran (Gr.1) at ParisLongchamp!

Surrounding these three Group 1 races, several other key events will also take place: the Prix Belle de Nuit (Gr.3), for fillies and mares, run over the long distance of 2,800 metres; the Prix de Flore (Gr.3), which also shines a spotlight on fillies, but over 2,100 metres; and finally, the Prix Perth (Gr.3), held over 1,600 metres and open to both males and females. One must not forget the Prix Glorieuse, which will determine one of the top AQPS (non-Thoroughbreds) of the season.