North American Thoroughbred racing and pari-mutuel wagering company, 1/ST, has partnered with French horseracing’s governing body, France Galop. The two will work in tandem to host several notable Graded contests and marquee race days.
The first of these will be May 18 for the $100,000 Grade 3 Gallorette Stakes on Preakness 149 race day at 1/ST’s Pimlico Race Course.
The victor of that race will advance to the €250,000 Group 1 Sumbe Prix Jean Romanet Stakes at Deauville for a chance to compete on August 18.
1/ST President Aidan Butler celebrated this international collaboration by saying, “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.”
France Galop COO Henri Pouret echoed similar sentiments and said the group is eager to bring horseracing fans a fresh lineup of contenders.
He said, “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 flavor to the Group 1 Sumbe Prix Jean Romanet Stakes, 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.”
