Rayif takes on True Love in the Haras de Fresnay-le-Buffard Prix Jean Prat

On Sunday, Deauville-La Touques racecourse will be decked out in the colours of Haras de Fresnay-le-Buffard, the partner of this prestigious day of racing. Acquired at the end of 2024 by H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, and located in the Orne region, Fresnay-le-Buffard is one of the most historic stud farms in French breeding. It was formerly home to the bloodstock of Marcel Boussac and later that of the Niarchos family.

The highlight of the day, at 4.25pm, will be the Haras de Fresnay-le-Buffard Prix Jean Prat, a Group 1 contest for three-year-olds run over 1,400 metres on the straight course. France will be strongly represented, notably by Rayif, the impressive winner of the Emirates Poule d’Essai des Poulains, and Nighttime, who won the key trial, the Prix Paul de Moussac. They will, however, have to overcome the Irish-trained True Love, winner of the English 1,000 Guineas.

Two races will be reserved for unraced two-year-old colts and fillies: the Haras de Fresnay-le-Buffard Prix de Tancarville and Prix de Lisieux, at 2.15pm and 2.45pm. Highly regarded horses often begin their careers in these races, which have produced future champions.