Inaugurated 1889 Website france-galop.com Track Right-handed | Race type Flat / Thoroughbred Surface Turf Distance 1,600 m | |
Location Longchamp Racecourse
Paris, France | ||
The Prix de la Grotte is a Group 3 flat horse race in France open to three-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run over a distance of 1,600 metres (about 1 mile) at Longchamp in April.
Contents
History
The event was established in 1889, and it was originally open to colts and fillies aged three or older. Its format varied during the early part of its history.
The modern version of the Prix de la Grotte was introduced in 1952. From this point it was restricted to three-year-old fillies, and was initially contested over 1,600 metres. It was designed to serve as a trial for the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches.
The race's distance was modified several times during the 1960s. It was run over 1,400 metres (1965), 1,300 metres (1966) and 1,500 metres (1967) before reverting to 1,600 metres in 1968.
Several winners of the modern Prix de la Grotte have achieved victory in the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches. The first was Apollonia in 1956, and the most recent was Beauty Parlour in 2012.
Records
Leading jockey since 1952 (7 wins):
Leading trainer since 1952 (7 wins):
Leading owner since 1952 (5 wins):
Winners since 1980
a New Bruce and Silvermine finished first and second in 1985, but the race was awarded to the third-placed horse after a stewards' inquiry.
b The 2016 race took place at Chantilly while Longchamp was closed for redevelopment.