1/ST Teams Up with France Galop to Enhance International Racing
In a groundbreaking move, 1/ST, the foremost Thoroughbred racing and pari-mutuel wagering company in North America, has forged a strategic partnership with France Galop, the regulatory body for French horse racing.
This collaborative effort aims to establish a series of premium partnerships that will drive greater international engagement in top-tier Graded races and prestigious race days. The inaugural event under this partnership will be the $100,000 Grade 3 Gallorette Stakes on the occasion of Preakness 149 at 1/ST’s Pimlico Race Course on May 18. The winner of the Gallorette Stakes will earn a spot in the prestigious €250,000 Group 1 Prix Jean Romanet Stakes at Deauville on August 18, along with a complimentary equine travel allowance for the journey to France.
Boosting International Profile and Prize Funds
The primary objective of this partnership is to establish enduring connections between revered races in France and esteemed turf contests at 1/ST racetracks across North America. By enhancing the international visibility and prize money of all participating races, this collaboration aims to attract more entrants, engage a broader global audience, and drive worldwide wagering turnover.
Expanding Global Gateways in Horse Racing
This innovative venture with France Galop leverages the complementary strengths of two leading entities in the sport. Building on existing global partnerships with Ascot Racecourse and the UK Jockey Club, 1/ST is expanding its network with qualifying races for the new California Crown event at Santa Anita Park. This series of interactions aims to elevate the quality of Thoroughbred horse racing, enhance guest experiences, and create exciting prospects for industry stakeholders.
Empowering International Participation in Racing
As a designated qualifier for the prestigious Prix Jean Romanet, the Gallorette Stakes at Preakness 149 promises to shine a spotlight on the undercard events at this iconic race day. With record-breaking prize money on offer, including a heightened purse for the 149th Preakness Stakes, 1/ST is setting the stage for a new era of world-class horse racing.
Aidan Butler, President of 1/ST, expressed: “1/ST is excited to forge another significant global partnership by venturing into France alongside our esteemed colleagues at France Galop. The Gallorette-Romanet pathway offers a thrilling opportunity for potential expansions into French race days, capitalizing on the rich heritage of France Galop in hosting premier turf competitions in Europe.
“We anticipate announcing more international racing collaborations in the coming months, focusing on strengthening our brand, increasing horse recruitment, and driving wagering activities globally. The time is ripe for innovative breakthroughs on the global racing stage.”
Henri Pouret, Chief Operating Officer at France Galop, commented: “We are delighted to join hands with 1/ST in this compelling initiative that will introduce a new cohort of French racing enthusiasts to Preakness 149, infusing a transatlantic flair into the Group 1 Prix Jean Romanet Stakes, a distinguished event that has attracted top middle-distance horses for two decades.
“The travel stipend offered will ease the logistics of long-distance travel, ensuring a robust field of international contenders for the Romanet, underscoring the global appeal of horse racing. Whether in France or the United States, racing transcends boundaries, and we eagerly anticipate welcoming the Gallorette champion to Deauville, while fostering the success of US-trained horses at premier European competitions like Royal Ascot.”