Prix Robert Papin

The Prix Robert Papin is a Group 2 flat horse race in France open to two-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at Maisons-Laffitte over a distance of 1,100 metres (about 5½ furlongs), and it is scheduled to take place each year in July.

History

The event was established in 1892, and it was originally called the Omnium de Deux Ans. It was initially run over 1,100 metres, and was extended to 1,200 metres in 1903. For a period it was held in early August, and it was one of France's first two-year-old races of the season. It reverted to 1,100 metres in 1907, and from this point juveniles could be raced earlier in the year.

The Omnium de Deux Ans was the country's richest race for two-year-olds until 1914. Its prize fund was greater than those of both the Prix Morny and the Grand Critérium. It was abandoned throughout World War I, with no running from 1915 to 1918.

The race was renamed in memory of Robert Papin (1848–1926), a former president of the Société Sportive d'Encouragement, in 1928. It was increased to 1,200 metres in 1929.

The Prix Robert Papin was held at Auteuil in 1940. On this occasion it was contested over 1,400 metres in late October. Its regular length was cut to 1,100 metres in 1942. It was run at Longchamp over 1,000 metres in 1944. Its distance returned to 1,200 metres in 1946, and it began its current spell over 1,100 metres in 1963.

The present system of race grading was introduced in 1971, and the Prix Robert Papin was given Group 1 status. It was relegated to Group 2 level in 1987.

Records

Leading jockey (7 wins):

• Roger Poincelet – Chesterfield (1946), Coronation (1948), Emperor (1949), Fiere (1955), Neptune (1957), Sly Pola (1959), High Bulk (1960)

Leading trainer (9 wins):

• Charles Semblat – Ardan (1943), Nirgal (1945), Coronation (1948), Emperor (1949), Pharsale (1950), Auriban (1951), Pharel (1952), Cordova (1953), Fiere (1955)

Leading owner (8 wins):

• Marcel Boussac – Ardan (1943), Nirgal (1945), Coronation (1948), Emperor (1949), Pharsale (1950), Auriban (1951), Pharel (1952), Cordova (1953)

Winners since 1976

^a The 1977 running took place at Évry.
^b The 2010 winner Irish Field was later exported to Hong Kong and renamed Prolific Champion.

Earlier winners

See also

• List of French flat horse races
• Recurring sporting events established in 1892 – this race is included under its original title, Omnium de Deux Ans.

References

• France Galop / Racing Post:
  • 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988
  • 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998
  • 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
  • 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
• galop.courses-france.com:
  • 1892–1919, 1920–1949, 1950–1979, 1980–present

• france-galop.com – A Brief History: Prix Robert Papin.
• galopp-sieger.de – Prix Robert Papin (ex Omnium de Deux Ans).
• horseracingintfed.com – International Federation of Horseracing Authorities – Prix Robert Papin (2012).
• pedigreequery.com – Prix Robert Papin – Maisons-Laffitte.