The Saint-Cloud race preview for Sunday, 26 October 2025, sets the stage for a marathon of ten absorbing races stretching from 11:54 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the lush western edge of Paris. From promising juveniles to seasoned stayers, the day blends international intrigue, rich purses, and a touch of French autumn elegance that defines Saint-Cloud’s closing stretch of the season.
Opening Salvos: Prix Glorieuse (11:54 a.m.) and Prix Belle de Nuit (12:26 p.m.)
The morning begins with the Prix Glorieuse, a 2,500-meter staying test worth €46,000. Louisa Banbou, ridden by Lucas Zuliani for trainer S. Zuliani, looks ready to showcase her stamina against Lili Star (Léo Roussel / N. Leenders) and Kyalight (Émilien Manceau / D. Cadot). The Seignoux-trained duo Kate to Win and Kikea du Mou, joined by Let’s Danse Doudou under Julien Guillochon, round out a well-matched lineup sure to set the tone for the day.
At 12:26 p.m., the Prix Belle de Nuit (2,800m, €73,200) continues the stamina theme, drawing together eight classy fillies. France’s Agile, ridden by Marie Velon, takes on Bas Bleu from A. Murphy’s yard and La Isla Mujeres representing P. Twomey. Britain’s Allonsy for R.M. Beckett and the consistent Bibbiena (Y. Barberot) bring a touch of cross-channel rivalry to this staying showcase.
Midday Pulse: Prix Perth (12:58 p.m.) and Criterium International (1:30 p.m.)
The rhythm quickens with the Prix Perth, a 1,600-meter test offering €73,200. The nine-runner field is spearheaded by Saidi El Fal (Alexis Pouchin / M. Baratti) and Vertbois (Cristian Demuro / A. Fabre). The pair face challenges from Anthorus, Tumbler, and Chibitty, while Sparks Fly—flown in from D. Loughnane’s English yard—adds international flavor to this compelling mile duel.
Then, at 1:30 p.m., the spotlight shifts to the Criterium International, a Group 1 event over 1,600 meters boasting €250,000. The O’Brien juggernaut makes a formidable appearance: Pizza San Marco and New Zealand represent Aidan O’Brien, while Hardy Warrior flies Joseph O’Brien’s flag. France answers through Campacite (J.C. Rouget) and Cape Orator (R.M. Beckett), promising a truly pan-European clash of juvenile talent on Saint-Cloud’s storied turf.
Early Afternoon Drama: Prix de Flore (2:02 p.m.) and Criterium de Saint-Cloud (2:34 p.m.)
The Prix de Flore, scheduled for 2:02 p.m., unfolds over 2,100 meters with €73,200 at stake. Among eleven contenders, Skellet (Colin Keane / R.M. Beckett) and Ashariba (Cristian Demuro / D. Menuisier) headline. Local hopes rest on Grand Stars, Saxon Girl, and Dare to Dream, while Higher Leaves brings depth from H. de Bromhead’s stable. It’s a classic battle between seasoned mares and emerging talent.
Barely half an hour later, at 2:34 p.m., the prestigious Criterium de Saint-Cloud—run over 2,000 meters for €250,000—takes center stage. This Group 1 juvenile test features A Taste of Glory (Daniel Muscutt / A. Balding), flanked by the O’Brien trio: Christmas Day, Pierre Bonnard, and A Boy Named Susie. Shosholoza, under Dylan Browne McMonagle, represents J.P. O’Brien’s additional firepower. With so much Irish influence, local fans will hope the Saint-Cloud turf offers some home-field resistance.
Late Contests: Prix de l’Élevage (3:15 p.m.) and Prix Royal-Oak (3:50 p.m.)
By 3:15 p.m., the Prix de l’Élevage (2,500m, €50,900) welcomes sixteen hardy mares. American Glory (Cristian Demuro / N. Perret) and Maia Star (Clément Lecoeuvre / Jph. Dubois) seek to outstay rivals like Venus Oceane, Golden Belle, Masaiya, and Miyalaa in a race that often rewards patience and timing on Saint-Cloud’s long run-in.
The day’s grand spectacle, the Prix Royal-Oak (3,100m, €350,000), bursts into action at 3:50 p.m.. This “French St. Leger” attracts the continent’s finest stayers: Sevenna’s Knight (Mickael Barzalona / A. Fabre), Queenstown (Christophe Soumillon / Aidan O’Brien), and Sunway (Marvin Grandin / D. Menuisier). Arrow Eagle, Caballo de Mar, and Double Major complete a stellar seven-horse field that promises to crown a true endurance champion.
Closing Acts: Prix des Haras (4:25 p.m.) and Prix des Poulinieres (5:00 p.m.)
As shadows lengthen, the Prix des Haras (2,500m, €25,900) begins at 4:25 p.m., showcasing France’s emerging middle-distance prospects. Fifteen fillies and mares line up, led by Zilya, Miss White Socks, Princesse Saphire, and Kamakura One, with Jurmala and Darlyvi among those looking to spring a late-season surprise.
Finally, at 5:00 p.m., the curtain falls with the Prix des Poulinieres (2,500m, €21,100). The final field of fourteen includes Una Revelacion (Cristian Demuro / M. Baratti), Meyudine’k, O’Gorman Game, Lady Mana, Mission Secrète, and Devilla — each eager to end Saint-Cloud’s autumn season with a flourish.
This Saint-Cloud race preview paints a vivid tapestry of European flat racing at its seasonal peak. With Group 1 contests, promising juveniles, and storied stayers all sharing the stage, the meeting epitomizes French racing’s balance of elegance and endurance. From the precision of Aidan O’Brien’s team to the artistry of French maestros like Fabre and Rouget, Sunday’s spectacle will test the boundaries of class, courage, and control.
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