This Sunday’s race meeting at Deauville promises a strong British presence on a high‑quality card, all of which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The programme features a mix of seasoned campaigners and promising newcomers, offering plenty of intrigue for fans of UK‑trained horses. One of the standout races is the Group 2 Grand Prix de Deauville, where the veteran nine‑year‑old Al Aasy, trained by the legendary William Haggas, will line up against the talented Arrow Eagle.
Al Aasy has built an impressive résumé since breaking onto the scene in 2019, amassing twelve victories across a variety of distances and surfaces. His recent form includes a convincing win at Beverley in July, followed by a solid third‑place finish at Goodwood, demonstrating that he remains competitive at a higher level and is ready to take another step up in class.
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 prestigious Royal‑Oak last season. After a somewhat lackluster effort in the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier, where he appeared to weaken in the closing stages, the horse may find the Deauville contest a more suitable test and could be poised to bounce back. Adding further depth to the card is Mazzala, an unbeaten four‑year‑old who has already claimed a Listed victory and a Group 3 triumph in his last two starts.
His unbeaten record and recent progression make him a serious threat to the French‑trained Yann Barberot, who will be looking to match his own ambitions. The Group 3 Prix de Meautry will showcase a thrilling clash between two British‑trained runners, Into The Sky and Mitbaahy. Into The Sky, a star from Jim Boyle’s stable, made a striking return earlier this spring with a fourth‑place finish behind Bow Eacho in the 2000 Guineas. Although he was unable to replicate that performance at Royal Ascot over seven furlongs, the horse’s ability to handle a dip in class and distance under the expert guidance of top jockey Pierre‑Charles Boudot suggests he still possesses a high level of ability.
Mitbaahy, on the other hand, has consistently performed well at this level. He delivered a commendable chase home of Symbol Of Honour at Newbury on his penultimate start and then produced a neck‑third in the Stewards Cup, confirming his aptitude for competitive handicaps. A repeat of that form at Deauville would place him firmly in the mix for the race’s top honors. Other British entries worth watching include La Brodeuse and Zoum Zoum, both of whom have shown enough promise to merit attention from punters seeking value.
Turning to the featured handicap at Yarmouth, the Bodhi Solutions – Exceeding Expectations In Construction Handicap promises a hard‑fought contest among nine runners, with Hypnotised and Adrestia emerging as the primary contenders. Hypnotised, trained by Harry Charlton and ridden by Lewis Edmunds, has displayed a steady upward trajectory throughout the season. The horse was narrowly denied victory with a second‑place finish at Newbury in his most recent start. Carrying a modest three‑pound weight increase, Hypnotised should remain well‑placed to challenge for the win, especially given his proven ability to perform under pressure.
Kinswomen, a William Haggas‑trained mare, sits just a couple of lengths behind the Charlton runner in the betting market, making her a credible alternative should the race unfold in her favour. Adrestia, the 2025 Palace Of Holyroodhouse Stakes winner, has been a dominant force in several hot handicaps this summer.
Despite a recent weight reduction of two pounds, she remains in peak form and is expected to be heavily involved in the finish. Her consistency and class make her a strong candidate to either win outright or place prominently. Overall, the Deauville meeting offers a compelling blend of British talent across a range of distances and race conditions. From seasoned Group‑level performers like Al Aasy and Arrow Eagle to rising stars such as Mazzala and the resilient Mitbaahy, there is ample material for racing enthusiasts to analyse and enjoy.
The live coverage on Sky Sports Racing will ensure that fans can follow every stride, each tactical decision, and the inevitable drama that unfolds on the French turf. Whether you are backing a proven veteran or taking a chance on an emerging contender, the day’s programme provides a rich tapestry of opportunities to engage with the sport.