Prix Fille de l'Air

The Prix Fille de l'Air is a Group 3 flat horse race in France open to thoroughbred fillies and mares aged three years or older. It is run at Toulouse over a distance of 2,100 metres (about 1 mile and 2½ furlongs), and it is scheduled to take place each year in November.

History

The event is named after Fille de l'Air, a successful French-trained filly in the 1860s. It was established in 1902, and was originally held at Maisons-Laffitte. It was initially contested over 2,400 metres, and was extended to 2,600 metres in 1906. It reverted to its former length in 1913, and was cut to 2,000 metres the following year.

Due to World War I, the race was abandoned from 1915 to 1919. It was transferred to Saint-Cloud in 1921, and restored to 2,400 metres in 1924. It was shortened to 2,100 metres in 1929.

The Prix Fille de l'Air was cancelled twice during World War II, in 1940 and 1941. It was staged at Longchamp in 1942, Le Tremblay in 1943 and Auteuil in 1944. It was held at Longchamp again in 1945, and returned to Saint-Cloud in 1946.

The present system of race grading was introduced in 1971, and the Prix Fille de l'Air was classed at Group 3 level. For a period it took place in June.

The race was moved to late October in 1990, and to November in 1991. It took place at Évry in 1995 and 1996. It was transferred to Toulouse in 1997, and since then it has been usually run on the French public holiday of Armistice Day.

Records

Most successful horse (2 wins):

• Punta Gorda – 1906, 1907
• Ahohoney – 1984, 1985

Leading jockey (4 wins):

• Alfred Gibert – Kalinia (1969), Miss Dan (1970), Sybarite (1973), Irena (1975)

Leading trainer (4 wins):

• Charles Defeyer – Quoi (1924), Larsy (1928), Rollybuchy (1929), Mascotte (1942)
• François Boutin – Satu (1968), Snow Day (1981), Liastra (1986), Mystery Rays (1988)
• André Fabre – Savoureuse Lady (1990), Dance Dress (2002), Walkamia (2003), Tashelka (2007)

Leading owner (4 wins):

• Marcel Boussac – Pharelle (1945), Caraida (1955), Arbela (1961), Artania (1963)

Winners since 1979

Earlier winners

See also

• List of French flat horse races

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, 2013, 2014

• france-galop.com – A Brief History: Prix Fille de l'Air.
• galopp-sieger.de – Prix Fille de l'Air.
• horseracingintfed.com – International Federation of Horseracing Authorities – Prix Fille de l'Air (2012).
• pedigreequery.com – Prix Fille de l'Air – Toulouse.