The Prix Fille de l'Air is a Group 3 flat horse race in France open to thoroughbred fillies and mares aged three years or older. It is run at Toulouse over a distance of 2,100 metres (about 1 mile and 2½ furlongs), and it is scheduled to take place each year in November.

Prix Fille de l'Air
Group 3 race
LocationToulouse Racecourse
Toulouse, France
Inaugurated1902
Race typeFlat / Thoroughbred
Websitefrance-galop.com
Race information
Distance2,100 metres (1m 2½f)
SurfaceTurf
TrackRight-handed
QualificationThree-years-old and up
fillies and mares
exc. G2 winners this or last year
Weight54½ kg (3yo); 56 kg (4yo+)
Penalties
3 kg for Group 3 winners *
* since January 1
Purse€80,000 (2021)
1st: €40,000
Prix Fille de l'Air
2023
Pink and black checked, pink sleeves, checked cap Orange, grey hoops on body Green, red sleeves and cap
Perama Une Perle Hardpia
Previous years
2022
Dark blue, pink epaulets, diabolo on sleeves Green, pink diamond, pink sleeves, green armlets, green cap Royal blue and emerald green stripes, pink and royal blue check sleeves, emerald green cap, orange star
Via Sistina Winema Pennine Hills
2020
Green and royal blue stripes, white sleeves and cap Royal blue, light blue sleeves and cap emerald Green, Red epaulettes
Directa All Rumours Dariyza
2019
White and grey stripes, grey cap Dark green, white stars on sleeves, white cap Emerald green, royal blue triple diamond, white cap, red stars
Ambition Vespera Tosen Gift
2018
Green, pink epaulets, white sleeves, pink cap White, two royal blue hoops, royal blue sleeves, quartered cap Emerald green, royal blue triple diamond, white cap, red stars
Gaining Son Macia Tosen Gift
2017
Dark blue, pink epaulets, diabolo on sleeves White, two royal blue hoops, royal blue sleeves, quartered cap Pink and black checked, pink sleeves, checked cap
Haggle Son Macia Via Firenze
2016
Royal blue Yellow, white sleeves, yellow cap Grey and black diamonds, yellow sleeves and cap
Powder Snow Restiana Rosental
2015
emerald Green, Red epaulettes Dark Blue, Emerald Green Diamond, White sleeves, Emerald Green diamonds, Emerald Green cap Royal blue, light blue epaulets and cap
Taniya Five Fifteen Lady Of Kyushu
2014
Yellow, red sash, black and white hooped sleeves, yellow cap Pink, chocolate epaulets, quartered cap Royal blue
Gaga Peut Etre Heartily
2013
Dark blue, white star, red sleeves, red cap Grey, maroon stars, grey cap, maroon star Yellow, red sash, black and white hooped sleeves, yellow cap
Frine Glowing Cloud Gaga
2012
Light green and dark green stripes,light green cap Beige and Brown check, quartered cap Orange, green braces, green sleeves, green cap
Casaca Baino Rock Brasileira
2011
Dark blue, grey stars, dark blue cap, grey star Yellow, white sleeves, yellow cap Light green and dark green stripes,light green cap
Skia Skallet Casaca
2010-2001
2010
Grey, red epaulets, sleeves and cap Light blue, yellow cross of lorraine and armlets, striped cap Red, white chevron, sleeves and cap
Ma Preference La Boum Kartica
2009
White and red stripes, quartered cap Pink, royal blue cross belts and cap Yellow and light blue halved horizontally, light blue sleeves, black cap
Synergy Cavaliere Alpine Snow
2008
Light blue, yellow cross of lorraine and armlets, striped cap Purple and white stripes, purple cap Blue, dark red cap
La Boum Rainbow Dancing Folle Allure
2007
Maroon, white sleeves, maroon cap, white star Maroon, white sleeves, maroon cap, white star Maroon, white sleeves, maroon cap, white star
Tashelka Doe Ray Me Synopsis
2006
Blue, red sleeves, quartered cap White, emerald green hoop, white cap emerald Green, Red epaulettes
Afaf In Clover Sanaya
2005
Light blue, white stripes, yellow cap Royal blue, yellow cap emerald Green, Red epaulettes
Antioquia Russian Hill Amie De Mix
2004
Red, two royal blue armlets and cap Dark blue, yellow sash, checked cap Dark blue, pink hoop and armlets, pink star on cap
Linda Regina Delightful Sofie Tocopilla
2003
Grey, pink cap Dark blue, yellow armlets and cap White, red epaulets, royal blue armlets, red and white striped cap
Walkamia Monturani Handria
2002
Green, pink epaulets, white sleeves, pink cap Beige, red cap Yellow, purple seams
Dance Dress Almond Mousse Queen Of Persia
2001
Dark blue White and dark green hoops, white sleeves, dark green armlets, hooped cap Brown and black stripes
Goncharova Side Of Paradise La Cibeles
2000-1991
2000
Yellow and black hoops, yellow cap White, emerald green hoop, white cap emerald Green, Red epaulettes
Aiglonne Limelighting Nadira
1999
Maroon, white sleeves, maroon cap, white star White, Red and Black cross belts, White sleeves, Black cap White, blue 'W'
Neptune's Bride Intuition Bela-M
1998
White, Red and Black cross belts, White sleeves, Black cap Orange and black stripes Red, pale green cap
Just In Fun Snow Polina Sensitivity
1997
Yellow, royal blue stars on sleeves, star on cap Red, yellow spiked yoke, armlets and cap Red, pale green cap
Yvecrique Seigniorage Sensitivity
1996
Orange, grey hoops on body Green, gold stripe and cap Grey, pink cap
Maroussie Dance Treat Restiv Star
1995
Blue, white spots on body Grey, pink cap emerald Green, Red epaulettes
Marie De Ken Restiv Star Daraydala
1994
White, red stripe, armlets and cap Black, orange sleeves, white cap Royal blue, yellow stripe, yellow sleeves, royal blue armlets and star on yellow cap
Hollywood Dream L'Ile Tidy Girl From Ipanema
1993
Royal blue, white epaulets, diamonds on sleeves, white cap Royal blue, white seams, sleeves and cap Green, pink epaulets, white sleeves, pink cap
Royale Chantou Ring Pink Apogee
1992
Royal Blue, Light Blue cap Emerald Green and Royal Blue (halved horizontally), Blue sleeves, quartered cap Black, magenta quartered cap
Halesia On Credit Lupescu
1991
Royal blue, white seams, sleeves and cap Emerald Green and Royal Blue (halved horizontally), Blue sleeves, quartered cap Red, pale green cap
Fabulous Hostess On Credit La Tirana
1990-1988
1990
Yellow and black hoops, yellow cap Dark blue, orange stripe, striped cap Yellow and dark blue checked, yellow sleeves, dark blue armlets, checked cap
Savoureuse Lady Indica Anna's Honor
1989
Royal blue, white seams, sleeves and cap Grey, Lemon sleeves, Orange cap White, red epaulets, blue sleeves, white stars, red cuffs, red and blue quartered cap
Solveig Summer Trip Barb's Slew
1988
Dark blue, light blue cross sashes, striped sleeves, white cap Royal blue, white epaulets, striped cap Royal blue, white spots on body
Mystery Rays Asl Princesse Du Bourg
 

History

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The event is named after Fille de l'Air, a successful French-trained filly in the 1860s. It was established in 1902, and was originally held at Maisons-Laffitte. It was initially contested over 2,400 metres, and was extended to 2,600 metres in 1906. It reverted to its former length in 1913, and was cut to 2,000 metres the following year.

Due to World War I, the race was abandoned from 1915 to 1919. It was transferred to Saint-Cloud in 1921, and restored to 2,400 metres in 1924. It was shortened to 2,100 metres in 1929.

The Prix Fille de l'Air was cancelled twice during World War II, in 1940 and 1941. It was staged at Longchamp in 1942, Le Tremblay in 1943 and Auteuil in 1944. It was held at Longchamp again in 1945, and returned to Saint-Cloud in 1946.

The present system of race grading was introduced in 1971, and the Prix Fille de l'Air was classed at Group 3 level. For a period it took place in June.

The race was moved to late October in 1990, and to November in 1991. It took place at Évry in 1995 and 1996. It was transferred to Toulouse in 1997, and since then it has been usually run on the French public holiday of Armistice Day.

Records

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Most successful horse (2 wins):

  • Punta Gorda – 1906, 1907
  • Ahohoney – 1984, 1985
  • Ambition - 2019, 2021

Leading jockey (4 wins):

  • Alfred Gibert – Kalinia (1969), Miss Dan (1970), Sybarite (1973), Irena (1975)

Leading trainer (4 wins):

  • Charles Defeyer – Quoi (1924), Larsy (1928), Rollybuchy (1929), Mascotte (1942)
  • François BoutinSatu (1968), Snow Day (1981), Liastra (1986), Mystery Rays (1988)
  • André FabreSavoureuse Lady (1990), Dance Dress (2002), Walkamia (2003), Tashelka (2007)

Leading owner (4 wins):

  • Marcel BoussacPharelle (1945), Caraida (1955), Arbela (1961), Artania (1963)

Winners since 1979

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Year Winner Age Jockey Trainer Owner Time
1979 Tintagel 4 Henri Samani J. R. Lyon Marietta Fox-Pitt 2:18.20
1980 Detroit 3 Alain Lequeux Olivier Douieb Robert Sangster 2:12.70
1981 Snow Day 3 Philippe Paquet François Boutin Robert Sangster 2:13.10
1982 Sham's Princess 3 Alain Lequeux Olivier Douieb Leslie Combs II 2:12.00
1983 Darine 5 Yves Saint-Martin Robert Collet Turki Saud 2:15.80
1984 Ahohoney 3 Maurice Philipperon J. C. Cunnington Countess Batthyany 2:11.40
1985 Ahohoney 4 Alain Badel J. C. Cunnington Countess Batthyany 2:13.00
1986 Liastra 3 Cash Asmussen François Boutin Peter Goulandris
1987 Khariyda 3 Yves Saint-Martin Alain de Royer-Dupré HH Aga Khan IV 2:17.00
1988 Mystery Rays 3 Gérald Mossé François Boutin Stavros Niarchos 2:07.40
1989 Solveig 3 Guy Guignard Criquette Head Jacques Wertheimer 2:20.50
1990 Savoureuse Lady 3 Cash Asmussen André Fabre Paul de Moussac 2:23.10
1991 Fabulous Hostess 3 Guy Guignard Criquette Head Jacques Wertheimer 2:26.20
1992 Halesia 3 Dominique Boeuf Élie Lellouche Enrique Sarasola 2:34.00
1993 Royale Chantou 3 Cash Asmussen John Hammond Sultan Al Kabeer 2:24.20
1994 Hollywood Dream 3 John Reid Uwe Ostmann Gestüt Ittlingen 2:26.60
1995 Marie de Ken 3 Sylvain Guillot Alain de Royer-Dupré Ecurie Bader 2:16.82
1996 Maroussie 3 Jean-Michel Breux Nicolas Clément Jean-François Malle 2:20.45
1997 Yvecrique 3 Thierry Gillet Jean-Pierre Gauvin Pierrette Fargier 2:21.90
1998 Just in Fun 4 Andre Best Hans Blume Gestüt Sommerberg 2:17.10
1999 Neptune's Bride 3 Sylvain Guillot Henri-Alex Pantall Sheikh Mohammed 2:08.60
2000 Aiglonne 3 Goulven Toupel Henri-Alex Pantall Mrs Paul de Moussac 2:11.80
2001 Goncharova 3 Kieren Fallon Sir Michael Stoute Magnier / Tabor 2:11.10
2002 Dance Dress 3 Christophe Soumillon André Fabre Khalid Abdullah 2:22.37
2003 Walkamia 3 Christophe Soumillon André Fabre Lagardère Family 2:10.60
2004 Linda Regina 3 Ronan Thomas Criquette Head-Maarek G. Borges Torrealba 2:22.94
2005 Antioquia 4 Miguel Blancpain Carlos Laffon-Parias Felipe Hinojosa 2:09.78
2006 Afaf 4 Thierry Jarnet Mikel Delzangles Zakaria Hakam 2:13.79
2007 Tashelka 3 Johan Victoire André Fabre Sheikh Mohammed 2:10.74
2008 La Boum 5 Thierry Jarnet Robert Collet Emmanuel Trussardi 2:17.52
2009 Synergy 4 Olivier Peslier Yan Durepaire De La Fuente Stud 2:22.52
2010 Ma Preference 4 Stéphane Pasquier François Rohaut Patrick Chedeville 2:22.43
2011 Skia 4 Anthony Crastus Carlos Laffon-Parias Leonidas Marinopoulos 2:11.83
2012 Casaca 6 Jeremy Crocquevieille Juan Miguel Osorio Africa Cuadra-Lores 2:15.60
2013 Frine 3 Jeremy Crocquevieille Juan Miguel Osorio Duke of Alburquerque 2:19.49
2014 Gaga A 5 Alexis Badel David Smaga Benjamin Steinbruch 2:13.70
2015 Taniya 3 Alexis Badel Jean-Claude Rouget HH Aga Khan 2:13.81
2016 Powder Snow 3 Aurelien Lemaitre Henri-Alex Pantall Godolphin 2:15.25
2017 Haggle 4 Pierre-Charles Boudot Henri-François Devin Mme R Hillen 2:11.38
2018 Gaining 4 Vincent Cheminaud Henri-François Devin Khalid Abdullah 2:16.00
2019 Ambition 3 Mickael Barzalona Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte James Rowsell & Steve Ashley 2:18.90
2020 Directa 3 Theo Bachelot Joel Boisnard Maryvonne Blot 2:11.70
2021 Ambition 5 Mickael Barzalona Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte James Rowsell & Steve Ashley 2:12.80
2022 Via Sistina 4 Jamie Spencer George Boughey Mme R Hillen 2:09.40
2023 Perama 3 Theo Bachelot Francois Rohaut Ecurie Des Charmes 2:16.10
2024 Higher Leaves 3 Alexis Pouchin Henry de Bromhead James Wigan 2:11.60

Earlier winners

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  • 1902: Reine des Fleurs
  • 1903: La Camargo
  • 1904: Sofia
  • 1905: Luzerne
  • 1906: Punta Gorda
  • 1907: Punta Gorda
  • 1908: Mafia II
  • 1909: Messaouda
  • 1910: Ma Cherie
  • 1911: Basse Pointe
  • 1912: Tripolette
  • 1913: Ardeche
  • 1914: Rivista
  • 1915–19: no race
  • 1920: Maskara
  • 1921: Herlies
  • 1922: Finetta
  • 1923: Solange
  • 1924: Quoi
  • 1925: Lotus Lily
  • 1926: Briseis
  • 1927: La Desirade
  • 1928: Larsy
  • 1929: Rollybuchy
  • 1930: Merveille
  • 1931: Halston
  • 1932: Sans Rancune
  • 1933: Arabia
  • 1934: Anatolie
  • 1935: Blue Bell
  • 1936: Pamina
  • 1937: Cosquilla
  • 1938: Adieu
  • 1939: Pereire
  • 1940–41: no race
  • 1942: Mascotte
  • 1943: Lady Cast
  • 1944: Orthez
  • 1945: Pharelle
  • 1946: Plouvien
  • 1947: Fair Eire
  • 1948: Chez Elle
  • 1949:
  • 1950:
  • 1951: Hero
  • 1952:
  • 1953: Radio
  • 1954: Reine d'Atout
  • 1955: Caraida
  • 1956: Resabiada
  • 1957: Fussy
  • 1958: Denisy
  • 1959: Ornifle
  • 1960: Rivesarthe
  • 1961: Arbela
  • 1962: Nebalie
  • 1963: Artania
  • 1964: Arnica
  • 1965: Dame de la Cour
  • 1966: Nursery Song
  • 1967: Cranberry Sauce
  • 1968: Satu
  • 1969: Kalinia
  • 1970: Miss Dan
  • 1971: Azella
  • 1972: Northern Tavern
  • 1973: Sybarite
  • 1974: Premiere Harde
  • 1975: Irena
  • 1976: Gramy
  • 1977: Silver Bells
  • 1978: Twilight Hour

See also

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References

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