Vichy is set for an engaging eight-race programme on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, featuring a mixture of contests for older horses, developing two-year-olds and three-year-olds. The card presents a broad range of distances, from the sharp 1,000-metre tests early in the afternoon to middle-distance races over 1,850 and 2,000 metres. Across the programme, horses will face different class conditions and race formats, providing an opportunity for a wide range of competitors to demonstrate their ability.
Vichy Racecards 12 August 2026
The meeting begins at 10:08 with the Prix de Herisson, followed by the Prix Jean Mourot at 10:38. The third race, the Prix d’Ygrande, is scheduled for 11:08 and carries the day’s highest prize money. Further contests include the Prix de Lavoine, Prix d’Aubigny, Prix Maurice de Nexon, Prix de Nizerolles and Prix de Saint-Plaisir, bringing the programme to a close at 13:44.
The Prix d’Ygrande, scheduled for 11:08, stands out as the most valuable race on the Vichy card, with €24,700 in prize money. Restricted to two-year-olds, the race will be contested over 1,600 metres and has attracted a field of six runners. Classified as a Classe 2 event, it represents an important opportunity for young horses to gain valuable experience at a competitive level. The distance should provide a useful test of both pace and stamina as the runners negotiate the mile trip.
With only six participants, the Prix d’Ygrande is likely to provide an interesting tactical contest. Two-year-olds are still developing, and the 1,600-metre distance can reveal plenty about their racing characteristics. The race may also provide a useful indication of which horses are progressing particularly well during the summer season. As the highest-value event on the programme, the Prix d’Ygrande is naturally one of the main highlights of the Vichy meeting.
The opening race, the Prix de Herisson, gets underway at 10:08. It is a 1,000-metre contest for horses aged three and above, with nine runners declared. Carrying €14,400 in prize money, the race is classified as a Classe 4 handicap. The short distance places considerable importance on early pace, positioning and the ability to maintain speed throughout the straight.
At 10:38, the Prix Jean Mourot provides another 1,000-metre challenge. Ten horses aged three and above are scheduled to compete in this Classe 4 handicap, which carries €16,300. With one additional runner compared with the opening contest, the race should provide another sharp examination of speed and race positioning.
The Prix de Lavoine, at 11:38, is another race focused on young talent. The contest is restricted to two-year-olds and covers 1,400 metres. Twelve runners are listed for the maiden race, which has €14,600 in prize money.
A 1,400-metre maiden provides an important platform for inexperienced horses. Many runners will still be learning how to handle the demands of racing, while the distance gives them more room to settle compared with the two earlier 1,000-metre contests. Development and consistency will be key themes as these young horses attempt to establish themselves.
The fifth race is the Prix d’Aubigny, due off at 12:08. It is a 2,000-metre event for horses aged four and above and features nine runners. The race carries €11,500 and is classified as a Classe 4 handicap. The longer distance will place greater emphasis on stamina and rhythm, requiring the runners to conserve their energy before producing their strongest effort.
At 12:40, the Prix Maurice de Nexon offers another 2,000-metre contest. Eight horses aged four and above are entered for the Classe 3 event, which carries €17,400. As one of the stronger older-horse contests on the card, it could provide an intriguing examination of established form over the middle distance.
The Prix de Nizerolles, scheduled for 13:12, features 11 three-year-olds over 1,850 metres. Carrying €11,500, the race is presented in claiming conditions. The distance falls between the shorter sprint events and the two 2,000-metre contests, creating a balanced test of speed and stamina.
The final race is the Prix de Saint-Plaisir, starting at 13:44. Fourteen three-year-olds will contest the 1,400-metre Classe 3 event for €11,000. As the largest field of the day, it provides a competitive conclusion to the Vichy programme. The relatively short distance should make positioning important, while the size of the field could add further complexity to the race.
Overall, the Vichy card offers a varied programme combining sprinting tests, mile contests and longer middle-distance races. The Prix d’Ygrande carries the highest prize money and provides the principal showcase for two-year-old talent, while the surrounding races give competitors from different age groups opportunities across a range of distances and classifications. With eight races scheduled throughout the morning and early afternoon, the August 12 meeting promises a diverse display of French Flat racing at Vichy.
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