Vichy Racecourse hosts an attractive eight-race flat meeting on Friday, July 24, featuring a varied programme of juvenile contests, handicaps, reclaiming races, a maiden and a prestigious Listed event. The afternoon schedule spans distances from a lightning-fast 1,000 metres to a stamina-testing 2,400 metres, offering opportunities for horses at different stages of their careers.
The card begins at 13:43 and concludes at 17:48, with competitive fields assembled throughout the afternoon. Young two-year-olds open proceedings, experienced sprinters contest the early handicaps, while improving three-year-olds and seasoned older runners ensure every race has its own storyline.
The feature attraction is the Listed Prix Jacques de Bremond, scheduled for 16:03 over 1,600 metres. Worth €47,600, it is the richest and most prestigious race on the programme, bringing together seven accomplished runners in a contest expected to showcase a high standard of competition. The Listed status adds significant importance to the race, with success at this level representing a notable achievement in a horse’s career and enhancing future breeding value.
Run over the classic mile distance, the Prix Jacques de Bremond demands the ideal balance of speed, stamina and tactical awareness. With a select field of experienced performers, every move is likely to prove crucial as the runners battle for one of the day’s most valuable prizes. As the centrepiece of the Vichy meeting, the race is expected to provide the afternoon’s standout sporting spectacle.
The meeting opens with the Prix de Bourgfontaine at 13:43, a €14,400 reclaiming race for two-year-olds over 1,000 metres. Eight juveniles line up in the opening event, where young horses will look to continue their early education while demonstrating their natural speed over the minimum trip.
At 14:18, attention turns to the Prix de Ravel, a Class 4 handicap over 1,000 metres for horses aged three years and older. Fifteen runners have been declared for the €14,400 contest, promising an exciting dash where early pace and quick acceleration are expected to play decisive roles.
Another competitive sprint follows at 14:53 with the Prix Yves Saint-Martin. Also run over 1,000 metres, this €16,300 Class 4 handicap has attracted another full field of 15 runners. Named in honour of legendary French jockey Yves Saint-Martin, the race is likely to produce another closely fought finish among experienced sprint specialists.
The fourth race is the Prix MGPF Technispectacle (Prix Claude Deleuze) at 15:28. This €15,400 reclaiming contest for horses aged four years and older is run over 1,400 metres and features eight runners. The additional distance introduces a different tactical challenge, requiring competitors to combine early speed with sustained finishing effort.
Following the Listed feature, the programme continues with the Prix Sarepta at 16:38. The €15,600 maiden over 2,400 metres has attracted 13 three-year-olds. As the longest race of the afternoon, it provides an important opportunity for lightly raced horses to earn a first career victory while demonstrating their stamina over middle-distance conditions.
The Prix d’Aix-les-Bains is scheduled for 17:13. Thirteen three-year-olds will compete over 1,600 metres in a €16,300 handicap, where the handicap conditions are designed to produce a closely matched contest. The mile distance continues the afternoon’s emphasis on tactical racing, rewarding horses capable of balancing pace with a strong finish.
The meeting concludes with the Prix du Haras de la Minardière – Prix Roger Winkel at 17:48. The closing 1,600-metre handicap carries prize money of €19,200 and has attracted 13 runners. As the richest handicap on the card, it promises a competitive finale featuring progressive three-year-olds seeking another important success during the summer season.
Friday’s Vichy programme offers an impressive balance of race types, with opportunities for juveniles, experienced older horses and developing three-year-olds across a range of distances. The combination of sprint contests, mile races and a staying test ensures a varied afternoon that highlights the depth of French flat racing.
While the Listed Prix Jacques de Bremond stands as the clear headline event thanks to its prestige and €47,600 prize fund, the supporting races add considerable strength to the programme. From the opening juvenile sprint to the closing handicap, the meeting is set to deliver an entertaining afternoon of competitive racing at one of France’s established summer venues.
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