This Sunday’s Deauville card promises a substantial British presence, and Sky Sports Racing will broadcast the entire programme live. The atmosphere surrounding the Group 2 Grand Prix de Deauville feels relaxed yet competitive, as Al Aasy squares off against Arrow Eagle in a race that could set the tone for the rest of the meeting. Al Aasy, the seasoned nine‑year‑old trained by William Haggas, has amassed an impressive twelve victories since breaking through in 2019. The veteran has remained a consistent performer, most recently capturing a win at Beverley in July and delivering a credible third‑place effort at Goodwood.
Those form lines suggest he is ready for another step up in class, and the Deauville contest offers the perfect platform to test his mettle against fresh opposition. Arrow Eagle, meanwhile, carries the distinction of being the final Group 1 winner for the soon‑to‑retire trainer Jean‑Claude Rouget, having secured the Royal‑Oak title last season. After a somewhat lackluster showing in the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier, where he weakened in the closing stages, the horse may find the conditions at Deauville more to his liking. A solid performance here could provide a fitting farewell for Rouget’s illustrious career.
Mazzala enters the race unbeaten in four starts, having added a Listed win and a Group 3 triumph to his résumé in his last two outings. The colt’s upward trajectory makes him a serious threat to the seasoned campaigner Yann Barberot, who will be looking to leverage his experience against the rising star.
The Group 3 Prix de Meautry will showcase a thrilling clash between two British entries, Into The Sky and Mitbaahy. Jim Boyle’s Into The Sky made a memorable return to the track earlier this spring, finishing a respectable fourth behind Bow Eacho in the 2000 Guineas.
Although the horse fell short at Royal Ascot over seven furlongs, the dip in class and distance under the guidance of top‑class jockey Pierre‑Charles Boudot should give him a chance to rediscover his best form. Mitbaahy, a reliable competitor at this level, has shown a knack for delivering strong finishes. He chased down Symbol Of Honour at Newbury on his penultimate run and then produced a neck‑third effort in the Stewards Cup, confirming his ability to stay on in tightly contested sprints.
A repeat of that performance would keep him firmly in the conversation for the race’s top honors. Other British runners worth noting include La Brodeuse and Zoum Zoum, both of whom could provide an extra spark in the field and potentially upset the established order. Turning to the Yarmouth meeting, the Bodhi Solutions – Exceeding Expectations In Construction Handicap looks set to be a highlight, featuring a nine‑horse field with notable contenders such as Hypnotised and Adrestia. Hypnotised, trained by Harry Charlton, has shown a steady pattern of improvement throughout the season.
The horse narrowly missed out on victory at Newbury, finishing a close second, and a modest three‑pound weight increase seems a fair adjustment. Under the guidance of jockey Lewis Edmunds, Hypnotised is expected to be in contention for a place, if not the win. William Haggas’ Kinswomen is another horse to watch, sitting just a couple of lengths behind the Charlton‑trained runner. The close proximity in the handicap marks places Kinswomen firmly on the shortlist of potential finishers.
Adrestia, the 2025 Palace Of Holyroodhouse Stakes winner, has been in excellent form this summer, remaining unbeaten across a series of demanding handicap races. With a further two‑pound reduction in her assigned weight, she should be well placed to influence the outcome and possibly secure a victory. Overall, the Deauville card offers a rich tapestry of British talent across multiple grades, from seasoned Group‑level veterans to emerging youngsters eager to make a statement. Sky Sports Racing’s live coverage will allow fans to follow each narrative as it unfolds, providing insight into the strategies of top trainers like Haggas, Boyle, and Rouget, and showcasing the skill of leading jockeys such as Pierre‑Charles Boudot and Lewis Edmunds.
Whether you are a casual observer or a dedicated racing enthusiast, the blend of experience, ambition, and international competition promises an engaging and memorable day at the track.