Clairefontaine will stage an exciting afternoon of National Hunt racing on 22 July 2026, with a competitive seven-race programme organised by France Galop. Featuring a blend of hurdle races, steeplechases, maiden contests and handicaps, the card offers opportunities for promising young jumpers and experienced campaigners alike. Distances ranging from 3,400 to 3,700 metres will test stamina, jumping ability and consistency throughout the afternoon.
The meeting’s centrepiece is the Grand Prix des Promenades Musicales du Pays d’Auge – PMPA.FR (Prix de Pennedepie), the richest race on the programme. Scheduled for 15:10, the Classe 1 hurdle for horses aged five years and older carries a total purse of €48,000 and has attracted eight runners. Covering 3,600 metres, the feature event brings together accomplished performers capable of producing a high-class display over hurdles. The combination of experience, stamina and fluent jumping is expected to play a decisive role in determining the winner of the afternoon’s headline contest.
The €48,000 Grand Prix serves as the highlight of the Clairefontaine meeting and reflects the quality of the day’s programme. Success in this prestigious race would represent an important achievement for the winning connections, while a strong performance could strengthen a horse’s credentials for other major summer and autumn jumps assignments. As the final race on the card, it promises an exciting conclusion to a meeting that celebrates the depth and competitiveness of French National Hunt racing.
The day’s action begins at 11:52 with the Prix des Enfants : 10 P’tes Promenades Musicales – PMPA.FR (Prix des Glycines), a Classe 2 hurdle over 3,400 metres for three-year-olds. Six runners are declared for the opening contest, where young horses continue to build valuable experience over obstacles. The race provides an early opportunity for emerging talent to make an impression during the summer campaign.
At 12:24, the programme moves to the Prix March Mallow / 31/07 – PAMPA.FR (Prix de la Garenne), a 3,700-metre steeplechase for three-year-old newcomers. Seven runners are set to contest this event reserved for horses making their first appearances in this discipline. The race offers an important introduction to competitive steeplechasing and could reveal several promising staying prospects.
The third race at 12:56 is the Prix Northmen Brass / 22/07 PMPA.FR (Prix Offemont), a Classe 5 hurdle over 3,400 metres. With 11 declared runners, it is the largest field of the afternoon and is expected to produce a competitive contest. A larger field often places greater emphasis on positioning, rhythm and accurate jumping from start to finish.
Race four is scheduled for 13:28 and features the Prix Ophélie Gaillard / 26/07 – PMPA.FR (Prix Trinidad). This Classe 4 hurdle over 3,400 metres for four-year-olds has attracted eight runners. Horses at this stage of their careers continue to progress through the ranks, making the contest an important stepping stone toward stronger company.
At 14:00, attention turns to the Prix Richard Bona / 02/08 – PMPA.FR (Prix Katko), a €45,000 handicap steeplechase over 3,700 metres. Nine runners will compete under handicap conditions designed to create an evenly matched contest. The combination of endurance and clean jumping will be essential over the testing distance, making it one of the afternoon’s most significant races after the feature event.
The sixth contest, beginning at 14:35, is the Prix Lanterne Magique / 28/07 – PMPA.FR (Prix du Catalpa), a Classe 3 hurdle over 3,600 metres for horses aged five years and older. Ten runners are entered for this race, bringing together experienced performers with proven staying ability. The contest should provide another closely fought battle before the day’s finale.
The meeting concludes with the prestigious Grand Prix des Promenades Musicales du Pays d’Auge, ensuring the programme finishes on a high note. As the richest and highest-class race of the afternoon, it provides a fitting finale to a card that showcases every stage of French jumps racing, from developing three-year-olds to accomplished senior performers.
Overall, Clairefontaine’s seven-race programme offers an excellent balance of youth, experience and competitive quality. The schedule includes maiden events, class races, a valuable handicap and a prestigious Class 1 feature, creating a varied afternoon for participants and spectators alike. With substantial prize money and healthy field sizes throughout the card, the meeting highlights the strength of the French summer jumps season and promises an entertaining day’s racing under the banner of France Galop.
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