Cagnes-sur-Mer and its racecourse will kick off the 7th edition of the Défi du Galop tomorrow. This European challenge, consisting of 16 stages and aimed at revitalizing the provincial Grand Prix races that are losing momentum, is now considered one of the most prestigious horse racing challenges.
The Défi du Galop 2012 starts tomorrow! As with last year, the city of Cagnes-sur-Mer has been chosen to open this seventh edition of this major European circuit, which today stands as the “reference” and the must-see competition for the gallop. So, the honor goes to the Côte d’Azur and the Grand Prix of the General Council of the Alpes-Maritimes for opening hostilities for this first stage!
For this new 2012 edition, 12 races will take place at racecourses in France, and four others will be held outside France (Pisa in Italy, Avenches in Switzerland, San Sebastian in Spain, and Baden-Baden in Germany). Last year, it was the horse Aizavoski, its trainer Elie Lellouche, and the jockey François-Xavier Bertras who won the trophy, ahead of Young Tiger, who was the double titleholder.
A very open competition
Thanks to the Défi du Galop, the level of competitors, the amount of prize money, and the appeal of a bonus of 150,000 euros (comparable to that of a high-level race) undeniably contribute to the rising notoriety of the provincial Grand Prix races, both nationally and internationally. And it must be said that the mission is now accomplished for the organizers, who have clearly achieved this sought-after goal. Moreover, this circuit now represents an unmissable event in the world of horse racing.
In addition to revitalizing these provincial Grand Prix races, the Défi du Galop is now generating real excitement. This European challenge is gaining popularity year after year, and the greatest jockeys, trainers, and owners are drawn to this competition, which is particularly notable for being extremely open. And to prove it: last year, out of the 15 stages, no fewer than 11 different horses finished first…
Let’s hope this 2012 edition is just as competitive!
The 2012 season races:
– Stage No. 1 – 02/25/2012 – Cagnes-sur-Mer – Grand Prix of the General Council of the Alpes-Maritimes
– Stage No. 2 – 03/25/2012 – Pisa (ITA) – Gran Premio della Regione Toscana
– Stage No. 3 – 04/27/2012 – Toulouse – Le Vase d’Argent
– Stage No. 4 – 05/26/2012 – Bordeaux-Le Bouscat – Grand Prix de Bordeaux
– Stage No. 5 – 06/16/2012 – Lyon-Parilly – Grand Prix de Lyon
– Stage No. 6 – 06/26/2012 – Compiègne – Grand Prix de Compiègne
– Stage No. 7 – 07/18/2012 – Vichy – Grand Prix de Vichy
– Stage No. 8 – 07/26/2012 – Avenches (SUI) – Grand Prix d’Avenches
– Stage No. 9 – 08/13/2012 – Clairefontaine – Prix du Défi du Galop Dream Well
– Stage No. 10 – 08/15/2012 – San Sebastian (ESP) – Copa de Oro
– Stage No. 11 – 09/03/2012 – Craon – Grand Prix de Craon-Mayenne
– Stage No. 12 – 09/15/2012 – Strasbourg – Grand Prix de la Région Alsace
– Stage No. 13 – 10/21/2012 – Baden-Baden (GER) – Baden Württemberg Trophy
– Stage No. 14 – 10/23/2012 – Nantes – Grand Prix de Nantes
– Stage No. 15 – 11/10/2012 – Marseille-Borély – Grand Prix de Marseille
– Stage No. 16 – 12/09/2012 – Toulouse – Prix Max Sicard
Get your binoculars ready!
