Prix du Jockey Club:

Location: Chantilly, France.

Total Prize: €1,500,000 (approx. US$2,000,000)

Official Website: http://www.france-galop.com

First run: 1836

Qualification: 3yr old entire colts and fillies.

Distance: 1 mile 2 ½ furlongs / 2100 metres

Race Record: 2:05.8 Darsi (2006) at current distance

Track: Turf, right handed.

Track Bias: The long straights at Chantilly make this a very fair test with all horses having their chance to run up to their best. These 3yo horses must be trained up to the minute over this distance or be found wanting when the runs start in the home straight. It is an advantage to be in the leading division coming off the last corner and a well timed rails run will often win the race. 

History: The very first Prix du Jockey Club was run at Chantilly on 24 April 1836 over a mile 4 ½ furlongs (2500m). Known as the “French Derby”, it is said to have been named for the British Jockey Club at Newmarket and was the corresponding race to the English Derby, although the two races are run too close together to allow horses to run in both. Restricted to French born and bred 3yr olds until 1946 but it was not until 1975 that a British horse, Patch, finished second. In 1982 the first foreign winner was the subsequent Irish Derby winner, Assert. Race distance has been shortened gradually over the years, being at 2100m since 2005.

Past Winners: Lope De Vega 2010 (son of Shamardal), Shamardal 2005, Montjeu 1999, Assert 1982.

Lead Up Form: Being so early in the season at the beginning of June, this race is more likely to be considered a lead up for other races such as the Irish Derby, the Arc and the Prix Niel in September. Some horses have won the Jockey Club, Arc, Niel treble such as Irish Derby winner Montjeu in 1999.

Statistics & Trends: Only eight fillies have won the Prix du Jockey Club, the last being Saltarelle in 1874. The last time a filly finished in the running was in in 2008 when Natagora came in third behind Vision d’Etat and Famous Name. Class is the predominant factor with most winners having some Group 1 form. Nine Prix du Jockey Club winners have gone on to win the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe since it was first run in 1920.

Betting on the Prix De l'Arc de Triomphe is available from online bookmakers such as Sportsbet.com.au.