Prix de la Grotte
History
The event was established in 1889 and was initially 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, 1,300 metres and 1,500 metres before reverting to 1,600 metres in 1968.
Several modern Prix de la Grotte winners have won the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches. The first was Apollonia in 1956; the most recent was Zarigana in 2025.
Records
Leading jockey since 1952 :
- Yves Saint-Martin – La Sega, Felicia, Mirna, Tonnera, Pola Bella, Koblenza, Captive Island
- André Fabre – Houseproud, Baya, Flagbird, Grey Lilas, Anna Silai, Golden Lilac, Mexican Gold, Tropbeau
- Nelson [Bunker Hunt] – Gazala, Pampered Miss, Dahlia, Nobiliary, Hartebeest
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