3 minute read

The only big juvenile race over this distance is the Criterium de Saint-Cloud run at Saint-Cloud on Saturday.

Fame And Glory is but one example of that. Will there be another long distance warrior like him in the 2021 Criterium de Saint-Cloud (2000m) at Saint-Cloud on Saturday?

2021 CRITERIUM DE SAINT-CLOUD - RACE HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

The Criterium de Saint-Cloud is a Group 1 race run under Set Weight conditions for two year old colts and fillies at Saint-Cloud conducted by France Galop.

The Criterium de Saint-Cloud is run over 2000m. It was first run in 1901 and was won by Illinois.

This race is one of the few Group 1s over 2000m for two year olds around the world.

It was originally run at 1400m but changed to 2000m in 1906. Back to 1600m in 1920 it went back to 2000m in 1924.

Initially graded at Group 2, it became a Group 1 in 1987.

The race was stopped during WWI and WWII.

The 2017 edition was abandoned due to mass protests from French racing participants at the Saint-Cloud course. No races on the card were rescheduled afterwards.

Leading jockeys are Yves Saint-Martin and Dominique Boeuf with six while Francois Mathet has most wins as a trainer with eight.

The last non-French winner was Gear Up in 2020 for Mark Johnston.

The Criterium de Saint-Cloud was worth €250,000 in 2021.

Notable winners of the Criterium de Saint-Cloud include Wonderment (2018), Epicuris (2014), Fame And Glory (2008), Ballingarry (2001), Sunshack (1993), Mouktar (1984), Darshaan (1983), The Wonder (1980), Providential (1979), Simbir (1972) and Motrico (1927).

The 2020 Criterium de Saint-Cloud was won by Gear Up from Botanik and Makaloun.