Prix de la Grotte


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The Prix de la Grotte is a Group 3 flat horse race in France open to three-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run over a distance of 1,600 metres (about 1 mile) at Longchamp in April.

History
The event was established in 1889, and it was originally open to colts and fillies aged three or older. Its format varied during the early part of its history.

The modern version of the Prix de la Grotte was introduced in 1952. From this point it was restricted to three-year-old fillies, and was initially contested over 1,600 metres. It was designed to serve as a trial for the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches.

The race's distance was modified several times during the 1960s. It was run over 1,400 metres (1965), 1,300 metres (1966) and 1,500 metres (1967) before reverting to 1,600 metres in 1968.

Several winners of the modern Prix de la Grotte have achieved victory in the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches. The first was Apollonia in 1956, and the most recent was Blue Rose Cen in 2023.

Records
Leading jockey since 1952 (7 wins):
 * Yves Saint-Martin – La Sega (1962), Felicia (1963), Mirna (1964), Tonnera (1966), Pola Bella (1968), Koblenza (1969), Captive Island (1985)

Leading trainer since 1952 (8 wins):
 * André Fabre – Houseproud (1990), Baya (1993), Flagbird (1994), Grey Lilas (2004), Anna Silai (2010), Golden Lilac (2011), Mexican Gold (2015), Tropbeau (2020)

Leading owner since 1952 (5 wins):
 * Nelson Bunker Hunt – Gazala (1967), Pampered Miss (1970), Dahlia (1973), Nobiliary (1975), Hartebeest (1977)

Earlier winners

 * 1952: Devinette
 * 1954: Baghicheh
 * 1955: Myriade
 * 1956: Apollonia
 * 1957: Epine Doree
 * 1958: Reluisante
 * 1959: Fiorenza
 * 1960: Sly Pola
 * 1961: Mopsy
 * 1962: La Sega
 * 1963: Felicia
 * 1964: Mirna
 * 1965: Clear River
 * 1966: Tonnera
 * 1967: Gazala
 * 1968: Pola Bella
 * 1969: Koblenza
 * 1970: Pampered Miss
 * 1971: Bold Fascinator
 * 1972: If
 * 1973: Dahlia
 * 1974: Paddy's Princess
 * 1975: Nobiliary
 * 1976: Riverqueen
 * 1977: Hartebeest
 * 1978: Tayyara
 * 1979: Nonoalca