This Sunday’s meeting at Deauville promises a strong British presence on a high‑quality card, and Sky Sports Racing will be broadcasting every moment live. The programme opens with a Group 2 contest, the Grand Prix de Deauville, where the seasoned nine‑year‑old Al Aasy, trained by the renowned William Haggas, squares off against the talented Arrow Eagle. Al Aasy’s résumé is impressive: since breaking through in 2019 he has amassed twelve victories, including a recent win at Beverley in July and a solid third‑place effort at Goodwood.
Those performances demonstrate his continued enthusiasm and ability, suggesting he is ready for 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 captured the Royal‑Oak last season. After a somewhat lackluster showing in the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier, where he appeared to weaken, the French‑trained colt may find the Deauville contest more to his liking. Also featuring in the Group 2 is the unbeaten Mazzala, who arrives with a perfect record of four wins.
His recent victories in a Listed race and a Group 3 event have established him as a serious threat, and he will be closely watched by Yann Barberot, who has been entrusted with the mount. Barberot’s experience and tactical acumen could prove decisive in a race that is shaping up to be highly competitive.
The day’s action continues with a Group 3 showdown, the Prix de Meautry, where two British‑trained horses, Into The Sky and Mitbaahy, will meet. Into The Sky, a product of Jim Boyle’s stable, made a striking return earlier this spring by finishing fourth behind Bow Eacho in the 2000 Guineas.
Although he was unable to replicate that form at Royal Ascot over seven furlongs, his class remains evident. Dropping back in distance and class under the guidance of top jockey Pierre‑Charles Boudot could see him rediscover his best form. Mitbaahy, a reliable performer at this level, impressed on his penultimate start by chasing home Symbol Of Honour at Newbury.
He followed that up with a narrow third‑place finish in the Stewards’ Cup, confirming his consistency. A repeat of that effort would place him firmly in contention. Additional British entries to keep an eye on include La Brodeuse and Zoum Zoum, both of which have shown promise in recent outings and could add further intrigue to the Deauville card. Turning to the feature race at Yarmouth, the Bodhi Solutions – Exceeding Expectations In Construction Handicap promises to be a thrilling contest among nine runners, with the standout names Hypnotised and Adrestia leading the field.
Hypnotised, trained by Harry Charlton, has demonstrated steady improvement throughout the season and was narrowly denied victory when he finished second at Newbury in his most recent start. Carrying an additional three pounds seems a fair adjustment, and under the skilled riding of Lewis Edmunds he is expected to be in close contention for the win.
William Haggas’ Kinswomen also appears to be well‑placed, needing only a few lengths to overtake the Charlton contender, and therefore makes the shortlist of potential winners. Adrestia, the 2025 Palace Of Holyroodhouse Stakes champion, has been a dominant force in several hot handicaps this summer, rarely being beaten. With her handicap mark set to drop another two pounds, she should be a major factor in the race’s outcome. Her consistency and class suggest she will be among the leading finishers.
Overall, the Deauville meeting offers a compelling mix of established talent and emerging prospects, with a particular emphasis on the British contingent making a strong showing abroad. Viewers can expect tactical battles, potential upsets, and a showcase of the depth of British training and riding expertise. The combination of seasoned Group winners, unbeaten juveniles, and reliable handicappers creates a rich tapestry of storylines that will keep racing fans engaged from start to finish. Whether you are rooting for the veteran Al Aasy, the rising star Mazzala, the determined Into The Sky, or the resilient Adrestia, the day’s program delivers a diverse and exciting array of races that highlight the international appeal of flat racing and the skill of the participants involved.