This Sunday’s meeting at Deauville promises a substantial British presence on a high‑quality card, all of which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The programme showcases a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent, offering a compelling narrative for fans of British racing. One of the marquee events is the Group 2 Grand Prix de Deauville, where the seasoned nine‑year‑old Al Aasy, trained by the legendary William Haggas, squares off against the promising Arrow Eagle.
Al Aasy has amassed twelve victories since his debut in 2019, a testament to his durability and class. His recent form includes a win at Beverley in July and a solid third‑place finish at Goodwood, indicating that he remains competitive at a higher level and justifies a step up in class. Arrow Eagle, on the other hand, carries the distinction of being the final Group 1 winner for the soon‑to‑retire trainer Jean‑Claude Rouget, having captured the Royal‑Oak last year.
After a somewhat lackluster effort in the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier, where he appeared to weaken in the closing stages, the horse may find the conditions at Deauville more suitable and could be poised for a resurgence. Adding further intrigue to the card is Mazzala, an unbeaten four‑year‑old who has already secured victories at Listed and Group 3 level in his last two starts.
His unbeaten record and recent progression make him a formidable opponent for Yann Barberot’s stable, and he is likely to be a key factor in the outcome of the race. The Group 3 Prix de Meautry will see a British showdown between Into The Sky and Mitbaahy, both of whom have demonstrated quality in recent outings. Into The Sky, a product of Jim Boyle’s yard, returned to the spotlight this spring with a respectable fourth‑place finish behind Bow Eacho in the 2000 Guineas. Although he failed to replicate that performance at Royal Ascot over seven furlongs, a drop in distance and class, coupled with the expert riding of Pierre‑Charles Boudot, could see him bounce back.
Mitbaahy is a reliable performer at this level, having shown a strong turn of foot to chase home Symbol Of Honour at Newbury in his penultimate run. A close third‑place finish in the Stewards Cup further underscores his consistency, and a repeat performance would solidify his standing among the British contenders. Additional UK‑trained horses such as La Brodeuse and Zoum Zoum also merit attention, rounding out a solid British contingent. Turning to the feature race at Yarmouth, the Bodhi Solutions – Exceeding Expectations In Construction Handicap promises to be a thrilling contest featuring nine runners, including the highly regarded Hypnotised and the versatile Adrestia.
Hypnotised, trained by Harry Charlton, has shown a steady upward trajectory and was narrowly denied victory with a second‑place finish at Newbury in his most recent start. Carrying a modest 3‑pound penalty, he is expected to stay close to the pace under the guidance of jockey Lewis Edmunds. Kinswomen, a William Haggas‑trained mare, is positioned just a few lengths behind Hypnotised and the Charlton runner, making her a genuine contender for a place in the final sprint.
Her class and experience could prove decisive in a tightly contested finish. Adrestia, the winner of the Palace Of Holyroodhouse Stakes in 2025, has been a dominant force in recent summer handicaps, conceding weight to rivals while still finishing strongly. With a further 2‑pound drop in her handicap mark, she is likely to be among the front‑runners and could be a decisive factor in the race’s outcome. Overall, the Deauville meeting offers a rich tapestry of British talent across various distances and classes.
From Al Aasy’s veteran resilience to Mazzala’s unbeaten momentum, and from the tactical duel between Into The Sky and Mitbaahy to the competitive handicap featuring Hypnotised and Adrestia, there is ample reason for British racing fans to tune in. The combination of seasoned campaigners and rising stars ensures a dynamic and unpredictable card, promising excitement for both casual viewers and seasoned punters alike.