There’s no shortage of high-class action on British and Irish shores this weekend, with Newbury and the Curragh staging quality Group class cards. However, for trainers targeting European Group 1 success, Sunday afternoon’s Prix Jacques le Marois is the only option.
Making its debut in 1921, this €1,000,000 event is open to colts, fillies, and mares aged three and above. Invariably attracting the cream of the European one-mile talent, a sparkling roll of honour includes the names of Miesque, Dubai Millennium, Dubawi, Goldikova, and Kingman.
Historically, the hosts have boasted the best record, but the tide has turned in recent years, with nine of the last 11 editions falling to a British or Irish-trained runner. Following a clutch of withdrawals and Camille Pissarro’s unexpected retirement, the make-up of the raiding party is a little different from initially expected. Nevertheless, the six British and Irish runners who remain possess more than enough talent to make their presence felt on French soil.
Four-Strong British Challenge
British runners have dominated the Jacques le Marois in the 2020s, with five consecutive wins between 2020 and 2024. Doubling up with both Palace Pier and Inspiral, the John Gosden operation is responsible for four of those wins, with the Roger Varian-trained Charyn making it five in a row in 2024. Could five become six in 2025? With the following quartet set to line up, we wouldn’t be in a rush to bet against it.
Rosallion
Having claimed Group 1 success at two and three, Richard Hannon’s stable star has already more than paid his way. Nevertheless, connections would love to see the son of Blue Point add a top-level victory as a four-year-old. Beaten by just a nose in the Queen Anne Stakes and a diminishing neck in the Sussex Stakes, could this be the day he gets his head back in front? Hannon has never won this race, but rarely has he saddled such a strong contender.
Docklands
This has already been a year to remember for Newmarket handler Harry Eustace. Having picked up a first career Group 1 victory in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot, Eustace promptly doubled his tally just three days later in the Commonwealth Cup. Queen Anne hero Docklands followed up with an underwhelming fifth in the Sussex Stakes. However, that was a strange race in which the pacemaker was allowed to get away from the field, and this may set up more favourably.
Dancing Gemini
Long held in the highest regard by Roger Teal, Dancing Gemini has belatedly lived up to his lofty reputation as a four-year-old. Kicking off with Listed and Group 2 wins at Doncaster and Sandown, he then lost out by a neck in the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes. He was below form in the Queen Anne but has been given a break since that June event and arrives here fresher than most.
Notable Speech
Surprisingly, given his numerous globe-trotting victories, Charlie Appleby has yet to land this prize. Bidding to put that right, and hand Godolphin a sixth Jacques le Marois, is the 2024 2000 Guineas hero Notable Speech. This son of the 2005 champ, Dubawi, needs to step up on recent efforts, but has every chance if bouncing back to the levels of his Classic and Sussex Stakes triumphs.
Two Travel from Ballydoyle
Since winning this race for the first and only time with Excelebration in 2012, Aidan O’Brien has drawn a blank in the Deauville showpiece. 13 years is a long time to wait for the Group 1 master, but his runners should never be dismissed lightly. This year, O’Brien sends two into battle, including a horse who many predicted would have at least one Classic on his CV by now.
Diego Velazquez
The 2025 Prix Jacques le Marois will present the unusual sight of an Aidan O’Brien-trained horse running in the colours of someone other than the powerful Coolmore operation. Diego Velazquez signed off in style for Smith, Magnier, Tabor, and co when claiming the Group 2 Minstrel Stakes, but now sports the green and blue of Sam Sangster. Zero from four in Group 1 company for his former connections, could he put that right at the first time of asking for his new owner?
The Lion In Winter
Following a perfect two from two juvenile campaign, The Lion In Winter was touted as the next Ballydoyle superstar. Three starts into his Classic campaign, he has yet to return to the winners’ enclosure. A fourth-placed effort in the Dante was put down to a lack of match practice, but a 28-length defeat in the Derby was much harder to explain. On the plus side, he took a significant step forward when losing out by a ¼-length in the Prix Jean Prat in July, suggesting he may be ready to peak at just the right time.
Japanese Star and Graffard Ace add to Fascinating Contest
As strong as the British and Irish challenge is, two significant obstacles stand in their way. Hailing from the Francis-Henri Graffard yard, Zabiari represents The Aga Khan Studs, who sponsor this year’s race. He’s up in class but arrives at the top of his game, having won his three most recent outings.
Ascoli Piceno, meanwhile, seeks to take the prize back to Japan for the first time since Taiki Shuttle in 1998. A dual Grade 1 winner over this trip in his homeland, he could be the fly in the ointment on his first European outing.
Offering an international clash of Group 1 stars, the 2025 Prix Jacques le Marois promises to be the race of the weekend. The huge prize money has delivered a really classy field and this is definitely one not to miss.