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1/ST, North America’s leading Thoroughbred racing company and pari-mutuel betting provider, announced today a groundbreaking partnership with France Galop. France Galop is the governing body for French horse racing.
The new initiative will see both parties form a series high-class partnerships to drive increased international participation in a number of Graded contests, including the $100,000 Grade 3 Gallorette stakes at Preakness Day 149 on May 18th, at 1/ST’s Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore, Maryland. The winner of the $100,000 Grade 3 b>Gallorette Stakes/b> on 1/ST’s Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland will automatically qualify to run in EUR250,000 Group 1 Sumbe Prix Jean Romanet Stakesat Deauville. This race takes place on August 18, 2018. The Galorette winning horse will also be entitled to a free travel allowance for horses to cover their subsequent costs in France.
The goal is to create a long-lasting link between prestigious races in France and turf races at racetracks in North America. This will increase the prize money and international profile of the contests participating, and also increase the number of runners entering these races, which in turn will engage an international audience and boost global wagering turnover.
This innovative partnership with France Galop takes advantage of natural synergies that exist between the two sports’ powerhouses. It builds on the global “gateway partnerships” that 1/ST already has with Ascot Racecourse via Gulfstream Park’s Royal Palm for Royal Ascot juvenile races), and the UK Jockey Club, around the Group 1 July Cup, and the Eclipse Stakes. These are now paired as qualifiers to the newly-minted California Crown which will take place at Santa Anita Park, on September 28th, marking California’s richest racing day.
The Gallorette stakes is an automatic qualifier to France Galop’s Prix Jean Romanet. It also provides a high profile undercard for Preakness. Preakness 149 will have the highest purse in its history, with $3.3million on the line. The middle jewel of the Triple Crown – the 149 th Preakness Stakes – will also feature a $2 million increase in purse. The enhanced purses are a reflection of 1/ST’s vision of a future with world-class Thoroughbred racing and unique guest experiences. They also offer exciting opportunities for bettors, owners and trainers to usher in an era of racing.
Aidan Butler is the President of 1/ST. He said: 1/ST is excited to form another global partnership with France Galop, breaking new ground. This Gallorette – Romanet path is a promising trial for more reciprocal racing days in France.
We look forward to more global racing partnership announcements in the coming year. It’s time to bring more innovation on the global racing stage, whether we’re boosting the brand, increasing the horse-recruitment figures, or driving betting dollars overseas.
Henri Pouret is the Chief Operating Officer of France Galop. Added: We’re delighted to team up with 1/ST to launch this compelling initiative, which will introduce new French racing enthusiasts to Preakness and add some transatlantic flavour the Group 1 Sumbe Prix Jean Romanet Stakes. Now in its 20 th year, the race attracts the best middle distance horses in the industry.
The travel stipend will help to ease the stress of long-haul travel and ensure that a strong field of international contenders is available for the Romanet. It also proves that racing, a sport with a worldwide appeal, is open to participation in both France and the United States. We are looking forward to welcoming the Gallorette winner to Deauville this summer, and to building on the success that US-trained horse have had at other elite European races such as Royal Ascot.
