The Auteuil Races 2025 brought a crisp Parisian afternoon to life on September 18, where the historic France Galop racecourse once again became a stage for endurance, finesse, and emerging talent. With a rich mix of Group contests and conditional hurdles, the day highlighted both established champions and fresh contenders looking to carve out their names in the demanding world of French jump racing.
Early Handicaps Set the Tempo
The action began at 11:42 with the Prix Melanos, a 3,600-metre limited handicap offering €105,000. The race set an early tone of intensity, with M. Seror’s duo Nikkaluokta (Baptiste Le Clerc) and Tante Zena (Angelo Zuliani) battling against the well-backed It’s Win O’Clock under Felix de Giles. La Palmeraie (Gabin Meunier) and Legolas Tek (Jordan Gainford) also added intrigue for N. George and A. Zetterholm’s yard, establishing a competitive rhythm for the afternoon.
Group 3 Prestige in the Prix Robert Lejeune
At 12:17, the first major highlight arrived with the Prix Robert Lejeune, a Group 3 test over 3,600 metres worth €125,000. It was a clash of youthful stamina and polished training. The Irish-bred Wild Bill Hickok (Felix de Giles) for George and Zetterholm lined up against Hell Storm (Leo-Paul Bréchet) for Y. Fouin, and the Nicolle-trained pair Midnight Cowboy (Angelo Zuliani) and Matin Midi Et Soir (Kevin Nabet). Roman Skies (Erwan Bureller) and Shannon Maestro (Kilian Dubourg) completed a field brimming with untapped potential. The energy in the stands hinted at futures being shaped in real time, as Auteuil’s crowd embraced the suspense of young hurdlers chasing glory.
Conditional Hurdles Showcase the Next Wave
At 12:52, the Prix Meli Melo unfolded across 3,500 metres for €55,000. Kapaca de Thaix (Leo-Paul Bréchet), King Conti (James Reveley), and Kit Ecossais (Lucas Zuliani) pressed hard, while Karam le Rouge (Ludovic Philipperon) and Saga Girl (Lucas Vandamme) demonstrated resilience that could carry forward into later campaigns.
Fillies Steal the Stage in the Prix de Chambly
The afternoon’s fillies’ highlight came at 13:27 with the Prix de Chambly, a Group 3 run over 3,600 metres for €125,000. Olga de Kiev (Baptiste Le Clerc) and Good Girl de Faust (Bryony Frost), both representing M. Seror’s stable, squared off against Coladamass (Felix de Giles) for M. Pitart and the promising Noire Wulf (Jordan Gainford) from George and Zetterholm. Selma de Vary (Lucas Zuliani) and Maprotégée (Olivier Jouin) added depth, making it one of the day’s most stylishly run contests. The race reminded all present that Auteuil remains one of the great proving grounds for talented mares.
By 14:12, the Prix Cadoudal provided another absorbing conditional over 3,500 metres for €51,000. Dschingis Token (Lucas Zuliani) and Lewis du Seuil (Bryony Frost) made their presence felt against Labellevie (Felix de Giles), Liskaria (Leo-Paul Bréchet), and Rose de Lurcy (Baptiste Le Clerc). These races may lack Group status, but they often reveal tomorrow’s headline acts.
Competitive Mid-Card Battles
At 14:47, the Prix Pierre et Bernard Cypres over 3,600 metres (€51,000) saw Kikea du Mou (Thomas Journiac), Kafkaienne (James Reveley), and Lovely Loued (Olivier Jouin) chase conditional honours, with Lycie (Theo Chevillard) and Lovely (Pierre Dubourg) not far behind.
The 15:22 Prix Henri Gleizes, a 3,500-metre conditional worth €55,000, offered another spirited contest. Saisho (Charlotte Prichard) and Lucky D’Olva (Lucas Zuliani) fought out a thrilling finish alongside Lola des Mottes (Felix de Giles), La Vanille (Anthony Renard), and Leader Sport (Leo-Paul Bréchet). Lovely Dino (James Reveley) added further depth to a tightly run race that had the terraces on edge.
The Finale: Prix de L’Orleanais
The day concluded at 15:57 with the Prix de L’Orleanais, a 3,600-metre hurdle worth €51,000. Veteran campaigner Folly Foot (Lucas Vandamme) was joined by Rosario Baron (Johnny Charron), General En Chef (Benjamin Gelhay), and Eden Bleu (Dylan Lecomte), all eager to claim the prize. Kolokico (James Reveley) and Keltimi de Ruille (Raphael Mayeur) kept punters hooked until the very last stride. The finale encapsulated the spirit of the Auteuil Races 2025: competitive, unpredictable, and rich with narrative.
Auteuil’s Place in French Racing
More than just results, the afternoon underlined Auteuil’s status as France’s premier jumps theatre. It is a place where Group 3 contests like the Robert Lejeune and Chambly blend seamlessly with conditionals, ensuring the sport’s pipeline remains healthy. Each race revealed a layer of promise, ensuring stories will echo throughout the season.
For full race details, timings, and upcoming fixtures, visit the France Galop official website. Readers can also explore recent coverage of Lyon Parilly races and the Moulins race meeting for more insights across the French circuit.
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