'One of the finest eight-furlong races in Europe' - Aga Khan Studs to sponsor Prix Jacques le Marois day

The Aga Khan Studs and France Galop have announced a new partnership which will see the racing and breeding operation take over an across-the-card sponsorship of Prix Jacques le Marois day during Deauville’s August racing festival.

One of the leading mile races in Europe, the Prix Jacques le Marois boasts prize money of €1 million and has attracted some of the best milers over the years, including champions Miesque, Dubawi, Goldikova, Kingman, Palace Pier and Inspiral. The Marois has been rated among the top two races over a mile on five occasions in the past six years. 

The Aga Khan Studs will also sponsor the Group 3 Prix François Boutin, the Listed Prix Nureyev and Group 3 Prix Lady O'Reilly-Prix Minerve, an event in which the Aga Khan holds the record as an owner, with 11 victories since 1966, notably with Zarshana and Candarliya.

The Prix Jacques le Marois will take place on Sunday, August 17 in 2025, coinciding with the Arqana August Yearling Sale.

Dubawi: one of the most famous recent winners of the Prix Jacques le Marois Credit: Edward Whitaker

Nemone Routh, French racing manager of the Aga Khan Studs, said: “His Highness and Princess Zahra Aga Khan are committed to supporting the French racing industry, with four of our stallions based at Haras de Bonneval: Siyouni, one of Europe’s leading sires, Zarak, who is enjoying a meteoric rise, and our two young recruits, Cartier champion three-year-old Vadeni and Group-winning miler Erevann.

“The Group 1 Prix Jacques le Marois is one of the finest eight-furlong races in Europe. Its exceptional track record speaks for itself, and we are delighted to partner with France Galop to contribute to the promotion of this day, which occupies an essential place in the French racing calendar."

Elie Hennau, managing director of France Galop, said: "For more than 100 years, the Prix Jacques le Marois has been the epitome of talent and speed, becoming one of the summer highlights of the Deauville racing season. Each year it attracts a very international audience and raises the profile of French racing. 

"France Galop is proud to continue the history of this significant race in our racing calendar with a new prestigious partner, the Aga Khan Studs. This major event, as well as the other races on the card that day, are an absolute must for any racing enthusiast.

"France Galop would like to take this opportunity to thank the Haras de Fresnay-le-Buffard and the Niarchos family for their unwavering commitment to the Prix Jacques le Marois. Thanks to this exceptional partnership, the reputation of this challenge over the mile has gone from strength to strength. With our new partner, the Aga Khan Studs, we share the ambition to continue to grow the international renown of this outstanding competition."

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