A Saturday at Deauville between tradition and revelations

Deauville is set to host another high-class Saturday where the stars of tomorrow meet the seasoned mares of today.

The action kicks off with the Critérium du Fonds Européen de l’Élevage, a Listed over a mile for 2-year-olds. Often a key launchpad for the autumn, it features the consistent Campacité (Jean-Claude Rouget), Focus (bred by Wertheimer & Frère, trained by André Fabre), and the exciting Waybreaker (Christopher Head), who made a sparkling debut just over two weeks ago. Juveniles at this stage can make rapid strides – think of Zarkava, who captured a Group 1 at two on just her second start.

The afternoon’s highlight is the JRA Prix Alec Head (formerly the Prix de Pomone), a Group 2 over 2,500m for 3yo and up fillies and mares. The field brings together strong French-trained contenders, including foreign professionals now based in France. Among the most prominent are Latakia (Frankel), trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, and Saxon Girl, in the famous Team Valor silks. Dare to Dream, supplemented at the last minute and now racing for Qatar’s Wathnan Racing, makes her first appearance for her new connections under Mickaël Barzalona.

Sponsored by the Japan Racing Association (JRA), the race reflects the deepening ties between France Galop, the PMU and Japanese racing. From boosting betting pools to encouraging international runners, the link is stronger than ever. The recent triumph of Alohi Alii in the Prix Guillaume d’Ornano underlined the success of these exchanges, and this autumn France’s Calandagan will carry hopes in the prestigious Japan Cup.

Once again, Deauville provides the perfect stage where tradition and revelations come together – a hallmark of the August meeting and a celebration of racing on a truly international scale.