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The race which is effectively the new French Derby is the 2018 Grand Prix de Paris run at Longchamp on Friday.
Gallante won it in 2014 and later on came to Australia to win a Sydney Cup. The 2018 Grand Prix de Paris (2400m) at Longchamp on Friday celebrates Bastille Day.
2018 GRAND PRIX DE PARIS - RACE HISTORY AND BACKGROUND
The Grand Prix de Paris is a Group 1 race run under Set Weight conditions for three year old colts and fillies at Longchamp conducted by France Galop.
The Grand Prix de Paris is run over 2400m. It was first run in 1863 and was won by The Ranger.
The Grand Prix de Paris was originated by the French governing body as a long distance race to compete against international foe. It was a very high profile race initially. The advent of the Arc hurt its standing.
It was even at 3100m in 1964 then once graded at Group 1, it was reduced to as far as 2000m. In 2005 it went back up to 2400m.
The race was not run during some years in WWI. It is run on Bastille Day.
Rail Link is the last horse to do the Grand Prix de Paris/Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe double in 2006.
Most wins as a jockey is with Tom Lane with six and the leading trainer is Andre Fabre with a brilliant 13 victories.
At Talaq won this race and later scored in a Melbourne Cup for Colin Hayes.
Gallante won the race in 2014 and came to Australia for Lloyd Williams winning a Sydney Cup.
The last non-French winner was Imperial Monarch in 2012 for Aidan O’Brien.
The Grand Prix de Paris is worth €600,000 in 2018.
Notable winners of the Grand Prix de Paris include Gallante (2014), Flintshire (2013), Meandre (2011), Rail Link (2006), Scorpion (2005), Bago (2004), Peintre Celebre (1997), Subotica (1991), Saumarez (1990), At Talaq (1984), Glint Of Gold (1981), Exceller (1976), Sagaro (1974), Reliance (1965), Phil Drake (1955), My Love (1948), Souverain (1946), Caracalla (1945), Le Pacha (1941), Nearco (1928), Comrade (1920), Sardanapale (1914), Spearmint (1906), Paradox (1885), Foxhall (1881), Robert The Devil (1880), Kisber (1876), Cremorne (1872) and Gladiateur (1865).
The 2017 Grand Prix de Paris was won by Shakeel from Permian and Venice Beach.
