1/ST and France Galop have partnered with the aim of increasing international participation, the two companies announced on Wednesday.
The new partnership will begin with the $100,000 GIII Gallorette S. at Pimlico Race Course on May 18, Preakness Day. Whichever horse wins the Gallorette, will automatically qualify to run in the €250,000 G1 Sumbe Prix Jean Romanet S. at Deauville on Aug. 18. A travel stipend will also be provided.
1/ST has previously partnered with Ascot Racecourse on Gulfstream Park's Royal Palm Series which targets Royal Ascot's juvenile races, as well as with The Jockey Club in the UK around the G1 July Cup and G1 Eclipse S. and the California Crown at Santa Anita Park in September.
Aidan Butler, President of 1/ST, said, “1/ST is thrilled to create another great global partnership, breaking new ground in France with our friends at France Galop. This Gallorette-Romanet pathway is an exciting trial for hopefully more reciprocal race days in France, considering France Galop's rich heritage in staging many of the most prestigious turf contests in Europe at courses like Deauville, Chantilly and Longchamp.
“We look forward to announcing more global racing partnerships over the year ahead. Whether we're bolstering the brand, increasing horse-recruitment numbers, or driving wagering dollars overseas, it's high time for more innovative moments on the worldwide racing stage.”
Henri Pouret, chief operating officer at France Galop, added, “We're naturally delighted to be teaming up with 1/ST on this compelling initiative which will introduce many new French racing fans to Preakness 149 and add some welcome transatlantic flavour to the G1 Sumbe Prix Jean Romanet S., now in its 20th year of attracting the best middle-distance horses in the business.
“The travel stipend is an excellent incentive for facilitating stress-free long-haul travel, helping to secure a stellar field of global contenders for the Romanet, and proving that racing is a sport whose worldwide appeal is no barrier to worldwide participation, be it in France or the States. We look forward to welcoming the Gallorette victor to Deauville later this summer and building on the success of US-trained horses at other elite European events, such as Royal Ascot.”
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