Prix Niel

The Prix Niel is a Group 2 flat horse race in France open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at Longchamp over a distance of 2,400 metres (about 1½ miles), and it is scheduled to take place each year in September.

Prix Niel
Group 2 race
LocationLongchamp Racecourse
Paris, France
Inaugurated1864
Race typeFlat / Thoroughbred
SponsorQatar
Websitefrance-galop.com
Race information
Distance2,400 metres (1½ miles)
SurfaceTurf
TrackRight-handed
QualificationThree-year-olds
Weight58 kg
Allowances
1½ kg for fillies
Purse€130,000 (2021)
1st: €74,100
Prix Niel
2023
Royal blue, large orange spots dark Green, Pink epaulettes and cap Emerald green, pink epaulets, white sleeves, pink cap
Fantastic Moon Feed The Flame Bravais
Previous years
2022
Dark Blue, Light Blue hoop and armlets, hooped cap Red, purple cap Maroon
Simca Mille Lassaut True Testament
2021
Royal blue, red sleeves, quartered cap dark Green, Pink epaulettes and cap Yellow and black hoops, white sleeves and cap
Bubble Gift Baby Rider Timour
2020-2011
2019
Light green and dark green (halved), dark green sleeves, light green armlets, dark green cap Black, red hoops on sleeves, red cap Purple, white seams, striped sleeves, purple cap
Sottsass Mutamakina Mohawk
2018
Royal blue Dark Blue White, white sleeves, purple cap
Brundtland Hunting Horn Neufbosc
2017
Black and White (halved), sleeves reversed, Red cap Blue, blue sleeves, blue cap Green, pink epaulettes, white sleeves, pink cap
Cracksman Avilius Finche
2016
Black, yellow spiked yoke, royal blue sleeves, black and blue quartered cap, yellow star Green, pink sash and cap, white sleeves Silver, gold braid, maroon cap, gold tassel
Makahiki Midterm Doha Dream
2015
Green, pink epaulets, white sleeves, pink cap Pink, white stars on sleeves Maroon, white spots, striped sleeves and spots on cap
New Bay Silverwave Migwar
2014
Silver, gold braid, maroon cap, gold tassel Red, white epaulets, red cap, white spots Purple, white seams, striped sleeves, white cap
Ectot Teletext Adelaide
2013
Turquoise, red cross sashes, hooped sleeves, turquoise cap, red cross Dark blue Maroon, Grey epaulets
Kizuna Ruler Of The World Ocovango
2012
Blue, yellow stars, blue sleeves, yellow stars, blue cap emerald Green, Red epaulettes Green, pink Epaulets, White sleeves, Pink cap
Saonois Bayrir Last Train
2011
White, royal blue stars, royal blue sleeves, royal blue cap, white diamond Yellow, yellow sleeves, blue cap Green, red epaulettes, green sleeves, green cap
Reliable Man Meandre Vadamar
2010–2001
2010
GREEN, red epaulettes, green cap Royal Blue, Light Blue cap Royal blue and yellow check, royal blue sleeves, yellow stars, yellow cap
Behkabad Planteur Kidnapping
2009
Beige GREEN, red epaulettes, green cap Royal Blue, Light Blue cap
Cavalryman Carthage Aizavoski
2008
Dark red and grey stripes, red cap Green, pink epaulets, white sleeves, pink cap Yellow, red chevrons, red cap
Vision D'Etat Ideal World Centennial
2007
Dark blue Dark blue, light blue cross belts, striped sleeves, white cap Green, pink epaulets, white sleeves, pink cap
Soldier Of Fortune Sagara Zambezi Sun
2006
Green, pink epaulets, white sleeves, pink cap Royal blue, white striped sleeves, white cap Royal Blue, Light Blue cap
Rail Link Youmzain Sudan
2005
Royal blue, orange disc, striped sleeves and cap Green, pink epaulets, white sleeves, pink cap Blue, white stars on body, star on cap
Hurricane Run Runaway Perfect Hedge
2004
Grey, pink cap Royal blue, white seams, sleeves and cap Dark blue, light blue cross belts, striped sleeves, white cap
Valixir Prospect Park Bago
2003
GREEN, red epaulettes, green cap Maroon, white sleeves, maroon cap, white star Royal blue, yellow chevron, yellow cap, royal blue spots
Dalakhani Doyen Kris Kin
2002
Dark blue, light blue cross belts, striped sleeves, white cap Royal blue, white chevron, light blue cap Maroon, white sleeves, maroon cap, white star
Sulamani Gulf News Morozov
2001
Pale blue, yellow and white check cap Blue, white star, white stars on sleeves and cap White, pink seams, striped cap
Golan Anabaa Blue Chichicastenango
2000-1990
2000
GREEN, red epaulettes, green cap Royal blue, white epaulets, diamonds on sleeves, white cap Maroon, white sleeves, maroon cap, white star
Sinndar Crimson Quest Sobieski
1999
Royal blue, orange disc, striped sleeves and cap Emerald green, royal blue sleeves, white cap, emerald green spots Royal blue, light blue sleeves and cap
Montjeu Bienamado First Magnitude
1998
Grey, pink cap Dark green, white chevron and sleeves, white cap, green star Dark blue, light blue cross sashes, striped sleeves, white cap
Sagamix Croco Rouge Dream Well
1997
Pink, royal blue diamonds, striped sleeves and diamond on cap Royal Blue, Light Blue cap Red, white star, yellow sleeves, yellow and red hooped cap
Rajpoute Peintre Celebre Ivan Luis
1996
Yellow, green epaulets emerald Green, Red epaulettes Green, pink epaulettes, white sleeves, pink cap
Helissio Darazari Radevore
1995
Grey, pink cap Royal blue, white seams, sleeves and cap Maroon, white sleeves, maroon cap, white star
Housamix Poliglote Winged Love
1994
Maroon, white sleeves, maroon cap, white star Green, white sash, red cap Green, pink epaulettes, white sleeves, pink cap
Carnegie Northern Spur Sunshack
1993
Dark blue, light blue cross sashes, striped sleeves, white cap Yellow and black hoops, yellow cap White and violet (quartered), striped sleeves, quartered cap
Hernando Dernier Empereur Dancienne
1992
McAlpine tartan, gold armlets and cap Royal blue, white chevron, light blue cap Yellow and black hoops, yellow cap
Songlines Petit Loup Apple Tree
1991
Black, blue cap Royal Blue, Light Blue cap Royal Blue, Light Blue cap
Subotica Pistolet Bleu Arcangues
1990
Royal Blue, Light Blue cap Maroon, white sleeves, maroon cap, white star White, royal blue cross belts and armlets, royal blue cap
Epervier Bleu Antisaar Passing Sale
 

The race serves as a trial for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, which is held at the same venue three weeks later.

History

A precursor of the race called the Prix de Chantilly was formerly staged at Chantilly in early September. It was open to horses aged three or older, and for a period its distance was 3,100 metres. It was subsequently transferred to Longchamp and run over 3,000 metres. It was shortened to 2,400 metres in 1952, and reduced to 2,300 metres in 1953.

The Prix de Chantilly was restricted to three-year-olds when a separate event was introduced for older horses in 1955. The new race was initially titled the Prix Henri Foy, and from this point the Prix de Chantilly was contested over 2,400 metres.

The race was cut to 2,000 metres in 1960, and restored to 2,400 metres the following year. It was switched to Chantilly in 1964, and returned to Longchamp with a length of 2,100 metres in 1966. It was extended to 2,200 metres in 1968.

The event was renamed in memory of Gaston Niel (1880–1970), a long-serving member of the Société d'Encouragement, in 1972. For several years the Prix Niel held Group 3 status. It was increased to 2,400 metres in 1979, and promoted to Group 2 level in 1987.

The Prix Niel became part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge series in 2010, with the winner earning an automatic invitation to compete in the Breeders' Cup Turf. It was removed from the series in 2012.

Twelve winners of the race have achieved victory in the same year's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. The first was Sica Boy in 1954, and the most recent Rail Link in 2006.

Prix Niel is eligible for geldings from 2020.[1] Due to the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic, 2020 Prix Niel are not run, and are replaced by the Grand Prix de Paris.[2]

Records

Leading jockey since 1952 (4 wins):

  • Yves Saint-Martin – Nelcius (1966), Akarad (1981), Sagace (1983), Mouktar (1985)
  • Freddy Head – Taj Dewan (1967), Mississipian (1974), Gay Mecene (1978), Cariellor (1984)

Leading trainer since 1952 (11 wins):

  • André Fabre – Cariellor (1984), Trempolino (1987), Subotica (1991), Carnegie (1994), Housamix (1995), Sagamix (1998), Valixir (2004), Hurricane Run (2005), Rail Link (2006), Cavalryman (2009), New Bay (2015)

Leading owner since 1952 (5 wins):

  • HH Aga Khan IV – Akarad (1981), Mouktar (1985), Sinndar (2000), Dalakhani (2003), Behkabad (2010)

Winners since 1978
Year Winner Jockey Trainer Owner Time
1978 Gay Mecene Freddy Head Alec Head Jacques Wertheimer 2:18.00
1979 Le Marmot Philippe Paquet François Boutin Rodolph Schafer 2:37.70
1980 Prince Bee Willie Carson Dick Hern Sir Michael Sobell 2:32.30
1981 Akarad Yves Saint-Martin François Mathet Aga Khan IV 2:30.40
1982 Bon Sang Alfred Gibert Mitri Saliba Mahmoud Fustok
1983 Sagace Yves Saint-Martin Patrick Biancone Daniel Wildenstein 2:43.50
1984 Cariellor Freddy Head André Fabre Suzy Volterra
1985 Mouktar Yves Saint-Martin Alain de Royer-Dupré Aga Khan IV 2:30.60
1986 Bering Gary W. Moore Criquette Head Ghislaine Head 2:36.80
1987 Trempolino Pat Eddery André Fabre Paul de Moussac 2:38.40
1988 Fijar Tango Tony Cruz Georges Mikhalidès Mahmoud Fustok 2:34.60
1989 Golden Pheasant Tony Cruz Jonathan Pease Bruce McNall 2:32.50
1990 Epervier Bleu Dominique Boeuf Élie Lellouche Daniel Wildenstein 2:32.00
1991 Subotica Thierry Jarnet André Fabre Olivier Lecerf 2:28.50
1992 Songlines Olivier Benoist Edouard Bartholomew Sir Robin McAlpine 2:32.80
1993 Hernando Cash Asmussen François Boutin Stavros Niarchos 2:36.70
1994 Carnegie Thierry Jarnet André Fabre Sheikh Mohammed 2:34.90
1995 Housamix Thierry Jarnet André Fabre Jean-Luc Lagardère 2:36.10
1996 Helissio Olivier Peslier Élie Lellouche Enrique Sarasola 2:30.40
1997 Rajpoute Gérald Mossé François Doumen John Martin 2:30.90
1998 Sagamix Olivier Peslier André Fabre Jean-Luc Lagardère 2:41.30
1999 Montjeu Michael Kinane John Hammond Michael Tabor 2:32.80
2000 Sinndar Johnny Murtagh John Oxx Aga Khan IV 2:26.40
2001 Golan Kieren Fallon Sir Michael Stoute Lord Weinstock 2:27.00
2002 Sulamani Thierry Thulliez Pascal Bary Niarchos Family 3:12.80
2003 Dalakhani Christophe Soumillon Alain de Royer-Dupré Aga Khan IV 2:27.60
2004 Valixir Éric Legrix André Fabre Lagardère Family 2:29.40
2005 Hurricane Run Kieren Fallon André Fabre Michael Tabor 2:30.70
2006 Rail Link Christophe Soumillon André Fabre Khalid Abdullah 2:31.90
2007 Soldier of Fortune Johnny Murtagh Aidan O'Brien Magnier / Smith / Tabor 2:25.60
2008 Vision d'Etat Ioritz Mendizabal Eric Libaud Detré / Libaud 2:27.40
2009 Cavalryman Frankie Dettori André Fabre Godolphin 2:30.10
2010 Behkabad Christophe Lemaire Jean-Claude Rouget Aga Khan IV 2:30.80
2011 Reliable Man Gérald Mossé Alain de Royer-Dupré Pride Racing Club 2:32.43
2012 Saonois Antoine Hamelin Jean-Pierre Gauvin Pascal Treyve 2:35.31
2013 Kizuna Yutaka Take Shozo Sasaki Shinji Maeda 2:37.64
2014 Ectot Grégory Benoist Élie Lellouche Al Shaqab Racing 2:26.36
2015 New Bay Vincent Cheminaud André Fabre Khalid Abdullah 2:35.10
2016 Makahiki[lower-alpha 1] Christophe Lemaire Yasuo Tomoichi Makoto Keneko 2:35.84
2017 Cracksman[lower-alpha 1] Frankie Dettori John Gosden Anthony Oppenheimer 2:37.78
2018 Brundtland James Doyle Charlie Appleby Godolphin 2:31.55
2019 Sottsass Cristian Demuro Jean-Claude Rouget White Birch Farm 2:27.46
2020 no race
2021 Bubble Gift Gérald Mossé Mikel Delzangles Zak Bloodstock 2:34.63
2022 Simca Mille Grégory Benoist Stephane Wattel Haras De La Perelle & S Wattel 2:32.81
2023 Fantastic Moon Rene Piechulek Sarah Steinberg Liberty Racing 2:33.20
  1. The 2016 and 2017 races took place at Chantilly while Longchamp was closed for redevelopment

Earlier winners
  • 1952:
  • 1953: Shikampur
  • 1954: Sica Boy
  • 1955: Walhalla
  • 1956:
  • 1957: Amber
  • 1958: Upstart
  • 1959: Montrouge
  • 1960: Puissant Chef
  • 1961: Devon
  • 1962: Kistinie
  • 1963: Le Mesnil
  • 1964: Sigebert
  • 1965: Super Sam
  • 1966: Nelcius
  • 1967: Taj Dewan
  • 1968: Vaguely Noble
  • 1969: Belbury
  • 1970: Stintino
  • 1971: Arlequino
  • 1972: Hard to Beat
  • 1973: Dahlia
  • 1974: Mississipian
  • 1975: Anne's Pretender
  • 1976: Youth
  • 1977: Crystal Palace

See also

References
  1. Geldings' green light in French Group races
  2. French racing to restart with four Group races and Monday slot for the Guineas
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