The Grand Prix de Paris is a Group 1flathorse race in France open to three-year-old thoroughbredcolts and fillies. It is run at Longchamp over a distance of 2,400 metres (about 1½ miles), and it is scheduled to take place each year in July.
History
The event was created by the Société d'Encouragement, a former governing body of horse racing in France. It originally served as a showpiece for the best home-bred three-year-olds to compete against international opponents over 3,000 metres. It was established in 1863, and the inaugural running was won by a British colt called The Ranger. The initial prize of 100,000 francs was raised by the Duc de Morny, who obtained half of the money from the Paris Municipal Council and an equal share of the remainder from each of the five main regional railway companies. For a period it was France's richest and most prestigious race.
The Grand Prix de Paris was abandoned because of the Franco-Prussian War in 1871. It was cancelled throughout World War I, with no running from 1915 to 1918. It continued to be the country's leading flat race until the introduction of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in 1920. The event was temporarily switched to Le Tremblay in 1943 and 1944. It was extended to 3,100 metres in 1964.
The present system of race grading was introduced in 1971, and the Grand Prix de Paris was classed at the highest level, Group 1. It reverted to 3,000 metres in 1978, and it was shortened to 2,000 metres in 1987. It was sponsored by Louis Vuitton from 1988 to 1992, and the sponsorship of Juddmonte Farms began in 2001.
The distance of the Grand Prix de Paris was increased to 2,400 metres in 2005. It is normally held at an evening meeting on 14 July, the French national holiday of Bastille Day. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 running was postponed to 13 September, replacing the Prix Niel, traditionally run at that time.[2]
a The 2016 and 2017 races took place at Saint-Cloud while Longchamp was closed for redevelopment.
b The 2016 winner Mont Ormel was later exported to Hong Kong and renamed Helene Charisma.
c The 2020 race was run in September owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.
