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The Stats Guide: Prix du Jockey Club.

This weekend's feature race is the G1 Prix du Jockey Club (2100m). Often seen as the most crucial point of the French flat racing season. We look at the numbers behind the entrants…

Inspired by the English Derby, and it was named in honour to the Jockey Club based in Newmarket (UK). It was originally confined to horses born and bred in France when founded in 1836, with the original distance of 2500m cut to 2400m in 1843.

The event was moved to Versailles during the 1848 Revolution and cancelled due to the 1871 Franco-Prussian War. It was abandoned in 1915 and replaced by the Prix des Trois Ans for the following three years.

A substitute renewal, the Prix de Chantilly, was held at Auteuil (2600m) in 1940. Whilst from 1941-1947 the race was held at Longchamp and Le Tremblay.

As far as records go, Yves Saint-Martin leads the way for jockeys having ridden nine winners, Tom Jennings. Sr has ten victories as a trainer whilst, Marcel Boussac has owned the winner a staggering twelve times.

Shamardal was the first winner since the decision was made by France Galop to shorten the distance from 2400m to 2100m in 2005. Despite criticism from traditionalists the move was made to strengthen the race depth, luring classic milers up in trip to compete at the highest level.

This race has produced some phenomenal winners in recent years with the likes of: Montjeu, Dalakhani, Shamardal, Lawman, Lope de Vega, Almanzor, Sottsass and most recently Mishriff in 2020.

This year the race looks to hold a host of high-class horses with runners from all over Europe, including a strong home contingent.

 *   - Please note with these participants, the international form may not be fully updated and accurate.