Autumn Finale at Clairefontaine
The curtain falls on the Normandy flat season with the France Galop Clairefontaine 24 Oct 25 meeting — a ten-race card promising a mix of stamina, strategy, and seaside charm. With post times from 13:06 to 17:49, the course will host a varied afternoon of contests from the sharp 1,400 metres to the demanding 2,400 metres, backed by purses ranging from €16,500 to over €30,000.
Early Tempo: The Warm-Up Mile
The day begins with the Prix La Grande Récré de Touques at 13:06, run over 1,600 metres for €18,200 and a dozen contenders. Among them, Romanello (Fabien Lefebvre / S. Gouvaze) sets the early tone, while Rougegarde (Axel Baron / P. De Chevigny) and Yoox (Jérôme Moutard / J-C. Bertin) look likely challengers. Chirimiri (Malone Favriaux / X. Blanchet) adds intrigue, and the likes of Dom Bertrand, Whiland, Marlowe, and Bomaro make up a competitive opener where positioning will be key.
Rhythm Shifts: The Meeting’s Namesake
The second event at 13:38 — the Prix Clôture du Meeting Clairefontaine Est Magique — stretches to 1,800 metres for €16,500 and eight hopefuls. The Mosse family pairing of Douriann (Arthur Mosse / G. Mosse) brings both familiarity and flair, while Loria (Léonard Plommée / M. Munch), Zelman (Malone Favriaux / A-S. & D. Allard), and Galord (César Belmont / C. Fey) represent steady opposition. Outsiders Amedras, What Do You Say, and Mine de Rien could spring surprises if the pace slackens early.
The Middle-Distance Heartbeat
At 14:10, the Prix de la Fête de la Citrouille over 2,200 metres (€17,300, 16 runners) becomes the day’s first major test of balance and endurance. Charles Legend (Thomas Trullier / D. Artu) looks the benchmark, with Ysoie (Jérôme Claudic / J. Planque), Jardin Blue (Rosario Mangione / S. Labate), and Summer Flirt (Cristian Demuro / Mme V. Dissaux) among the chief threats. The supporting cast — New Town, Cole Chop, and Park of Diamond — make it a deep and open contest, fitting for Clairefontaine’s mid-card drama.
The staying rhythm continues at 14:42 with the Prix Circuit de Caen, a 2,400-metre, €16,500 handicap drawing 17 runners. Got Hawk (Léo Roussel / Ed. Monfort) heads the list, with Little Heart (Mme Liya Gaubert / E. Lecoiffier), Brivido Moon (Jérôme Moutard / P. Dollé), and Fan de Chop (César Belmont / C. Le Veel) vying for the frame. Expect late progress from Look of Cecca, Brillador, and Brasilia in the long stretch home — a sight familiar to those who’ve followed the Normandy circuit.
Afternoon Spark: Speed Meets Tactics
By mid-afternoon, the fifth race, Prix Hippoween (15:14, 1,600 m, €18,200, 13 runners), renews the focus on speed. Pony Boy (Tony Piccone / Ch. Plisson) is well positioned to strike, while La Formul Sansouci (Jérôme Claudic / L. Proietti) and Katana des Rocs (Mme Ambre Molins / Mme W. Szczesniak) have claims if the pace breaks. Keep an eye, too, on Sybaris Jewel (Aurélien Lemaître / Fr. Monfort) and the reliable trio Aryvesan, Prea Gianca, and Joukovka.
The sixth, Prix Cap Orne (15:45, 1,600 m, €20,200, 13 runners), maintains that tempo. Rule de l’Odéon (Mickaël Barzalona / D. Artu) stands out on form, though Punica (Pierre Remoué / A. Fouassier), Manneville (Cristian Demuro / S. Nigge), and Aurora Borealis (Théo Bachelot / Mme A. Wattel) will look to press. The seasoned Violin, Golden Majesty, and Modern Spirit round out a field that mirrors the meeting’s depth.
Art, Colour, and Coastal Character
At 16:16, the whimsical Prix Concours de Sculpture de Citrouilles — 1,400 m, €17,300, 16 runners — lights up the course. Expect fireworks from Pisorno (Mme Jenifer Maurer / D. Chenu), Blue Dream (Mme Lize Dieteren / S. Gouvaze), and Alberi (Mme Maud Lelièvre / F. Foucher), with Draco (Mme Rose Valais / A. Sanchez-Martin) adding unpredictability. Longshots Proletariat, Khan, and Les Trois Vallées could influence the shape of the sprint if the draw favours their side.
Next, the Prix Loisirs Normandie (16:47, 2,200 m, €19,200, 16 runners) offers another staying contest, where Chubasco (Eddy Hardouin / C. Lotoux) and Felix Felicis (Richard Juteau / C. Restout) meet Princess Kara (Léonard Plommée / T. Poche) and Reaching the Moon (Jacky Nicoleau / A. West). Wings of Fire, Hamilton Desjy, and Malya provide strong depth — a race built for those who grind late rather than sprint early.
The Closing Stretch: Prestige and Poise
As shadows lengthen, the Prix Deauville Aventure (17:18, 2,200 m, €30,700, 16 runners) stands as the feature. Moon Ricin (Aurélien Lemaître / Tim Donworth) headlines the field alongside Bad Boy (Rosario Mangione / J. Leroy), Drumard (Alexis Pouchin / E. Libaud), and Centrical (Cristian Demuro / F-X Weissmeier). Among the dangers lurk Deep Sea, Alathea, Zilrak, and Le Sage, all poised to deliver late runs on this generous Deauville-adjacent track.
The day concludes at 17:49 with the Prix Cabourg Jet — another 2,200 m affair worth €22,100. Ridwaan (Anthony Crastus / C. Martinon) and Eastern Star (Maxime Guyon / N. Caullery) bring class to the closer, chased by Liking (Jérôme Moutard / Mme S. Penot) and Ready King (Fabien Lefebvre / Mme D. De Wulf). Late runners Lucy Galeste, Odin Normandy, and Stormy Night ensure the finale mirrors the day — depth, variety, and local flair.
The Essence of a Normandy Finale
The France Galop Clairefontaine 24 Oct 25 meeting encapsulates what makes Normandy racing distinct: a scenic venue where the tide hums just beyond the rails, the breeze cools the turf, and the contests move from sprightly to staying. For many owners and trainers, it’s a last chance to gauge form before Deauville’s winter swing.
As the crowd thins and the sea light softens, one truth remains — Clairefontaine never fails to blend beauty with competition. For a look at upcoming France Galop fixtures, stay tuned to RaceBuzz.
