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Steven LynchSeptember 9, 2014
Do the English horse-racing Classics have direct equivalents in France? asked Arnold Procter
The French horse racing authorities borrowed the idea of "Classic" races from the British in the early part of the 19th century.
The Prix du Jockey Club, first run in 1836, is the equivalent of the Epsom Derby - held at Chantilly, it's a 2100-metre race for three-year-olds.
In 1840 the Poule d'Essai was founded; this was the rough equivalent of the 1000 and 2000 Guineas. In 1883 the race was split into the Poule d'Essai des Poulains (the equivalent of the 2000 Guineas for colts), and the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches (fillies - 1000 Guineas). Both these are run at Longchamp.
The Prix de Diane (equivalent of the Oaks, and run at Chantilly) was first held in 1843, and the Prix Royal-Oak (St Leger; run at Longchamp) in 1861.
The French Classic roster also includes a sixth race, the Grand Prix de Paris (first run in 1863), at Longchamp, which has no direct English equivalent.
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