Prix Rothschild

The Prix Rothschild is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to thoroughbred fillies and mares aged three years or older. It is run at Deauville over a distance of 1,600 metres (about 1 mile), and it is scheduled to take place each year in late July or early August.

History

The event was established in 1929, and it was originally called the Prix d'Astarté. It was named after Astarte, a goddess of fertility.

Deauville Racecourse was closed during World War II, and the Prix d'Astarté was not run in 1940. For the remainder of this period it was switched between Longchamp (1941–42, 1944–45) and Le Tremblay (1943).

The present system of race grading was introduced in 1971, and the Prix d'Astarté was initially given Group 3 status. It was promoted to Group 2 level in 1982, and to Group 1 in 2004.

The race was renamed the Prix Rothschild in 2008. This was in memory of Guy de Rothschild (1909–2007), a prominent owner-breeder, and it was an acknowledgement of his family's contribution to French racing.

Records

Most successful horse (4 wins):

• Goldikova – 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

Leading jockey (6 wins):

• Freddy Head – Carabella (1967), Prudent Miss (1970), Thorough (1982), Northern Aspen (1985), Navratilovna (1985), Hydro Calido (1992)

Leading trainer (5 wins):

• John Cunnington, Sr. – Otero (1945), Procureuse (1947), Balle Negre (1948), Action (1968), Princess Arjumand (1973)
• François Mathet – Lilya (1958), Breloque (1960), Tin Top (1961), Tamoure (1965), Kirmiz (1972)
• David Smaga – Thorough (1982), Elle Seule (1986), Navratilovna (1989), Leariva (1991), Miss Berbere (1998)
• André Fabre – Nashmeel (1987), Ski Paradise (1993), Smolensk (1995), Daneskaya (1997), Esoterique (2014)

Leading owner (4 wins):

• Teruya Yoshida – Shaanxi (1996), Lady of Chad (2000), Marbye (2004), Elusive Kate (2012)
• Wertheimer et Frère – Goldikova (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011)

Winners since 1980

Earlier winners

See also

• List of French flat horse races
• Recurring sporting events established in 1929 – this race is included under its original title, Prix d'Astarté.

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 Rothschild.
• galop.courses-france.com – Prix d'Astarté – Palmarès depuis 1983.
• galopp-sieger.de – Prix Rothschild (ex Prix d'Astarté).
• horseracingintfed.com – International Federation of Horseracing Authorities – Prix Rothschild (2014).
• pedigreequery.com – Prix Rothschild – Deauville.