After an emotionally charged Obstacle Meeting, it is now time for speed races at the Cagnes-sur-Mer racecourse.
With 11 flat racing meetings on the schedule, including 5 Quinté + and 4 Listed Races, February this year will be more dedicated than ever to sprinters.
The new Polytrack course will be particularly highlighted but also put to the test. Thanks to the recent reapplication of wax and fiber, it will offer optimal comfort and safety for horses at full gallop.
All conditions will be met to ensure an outstanding spectacle.
Among the many meetings in February, 4 are particularly anticipated:
Saturday, February 6 – Cagnes-sur-Mer Day
A festive day that has become unmissable for the residents of Cagnes, who enter for free upon presenting proof of residence. The day’s schedule includes various activities, the presentation of the town’s new retailers, and, as on all Saturdays and Sundays of the Winter Meeting, free activities for children.
Saturday, February 14 – Grand Prix de la Riviera & Prix de la Californie
These two emblematic Listed Races of the flat racing discipline at the Cagnes-sur-Mer racecourse are essential for speed lovers. The Grand Prix de la Riviera rewards the best horse aged 4 and over on 2000 meters, while the Prix de Californie rewards the winning 3-year-old horse on 1600 meters. An event not to be missed.
Saturday, February 20 – Prix Saonois
This is the second edition of this Listed Race, held on a Quinté + day, rewarding the best horse aged 4 and over on 1600 meters. Created in 2015, this race was established in honor of the horse Saonois who began his career at the Cagnes-sur-Mer racecourse. At 3 years old, he won the Prix Policeman in 2012. He then followed the classic Parisian program before winning the very famous Prix du Jockey Club. Saonois is now retired from racing and fully dedicated to his new career as a stallion.
Saturday, February 27 – Défi du Galop & Prix Policeman
The flagship meeting of the Winter Meeting, the Défi du Galop takes place on 14 racecourses in France and abroad (note: Germany, Switzerland, and Spain). Cagnes-sur-Mer kicks off the 2016 edition. This will be followed by 15 races throughout the year, with the last one taking place in December in Toulouse. Now established among the major flat racing circuits, the event allows Listed races to reach a Group III level rating.
The Prix Policeman, on the other hand, rewards the best 3-year-old horse on 2000 meters. Named after a horse that, in its time, made its mark in the key event reserved for 3-year-olds at the Côte d’Azur racecourse.
by Jordan Perronneau
