This Sunday’s Deauville meeting promises a strong British presence on a high‑quality card, all of which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The atmosphere at the Group 2 Grand Prix de Deauville feels open and competitive, especially as two seasoned British runners, Al Aasy and Arrow Eagle, line up against each other. Al Aasy, the seasoned nine‑year‑old trained by William Haggas, has amassed twelve victories since breaking onto the scene in 2019.
His record demonstrates both durability and class, having captured a win at Beverley in July and then producing a solid third‑place effort at Goodwood. Those performances suggest he is ready to be tested at a higher level once again, and the Deauville Group 2 offers an ideal platform for him to prove his staying power against tougher opposition. Opposing him is Arrow Eagle, the final Group 1 winner for the soon‑to‑retire trainer Jean‑Claude Rouget. Arrow Eagle earned that top‑class accolade by taking the Royal‑Oak last year, and although his recent run in the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier was somewhat lackluster, the drop back in class could suit him well.
The race may present an opportunity for him to regain his winning form and finish his career on a high note. Also worth watching 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 streak and recent progression make him a formidable threat to the French‑trained Yann Barberot, who will be looking to challenge the rising star. The Group 3 Prix de Meautry will feature a compelling duel between two British horses, Into The Sky and Mitbaahy.
Into The Sky, a product of Jim Boyle’s stable, burst onto the scene earlier this spring with a fourth‑place finish behind Bow Eacho in the 2000 Guineas. Although he failed to replicate that form at Royal Ascot over seven furlongs, the drop in distance and class, coupled with a top‑class ride from Pierre‑Charles Boudot, could see him bounce back strongly. Mitbaahy, meanwhile, has shown consistency at this level.
He produced an impressive run chasing home Symbol Of Honour at Newbury on his penultimate start and then finished a neck behind the winner in the Stewards Cup, a performance that highlighted his ability to stay on in a competitive field. A repeat of that form at Deauville would place him firmly in the mix for the prize.
Additional British entries to keep an eye on include La Brodeuse and Zoum Zoum, both of whom have demonstrated enough class to be competitive in the French conditions. Turning to the feature race at Yarmouth, the Bodhi Solutions – Exceeding Expectations In Construction Handicap promises to be a thrilling contest with nine runners, among them the promising Hypnotised and the accomplished Adrestia.
Hypnotised, trained by Harry Charlton, has shown a steady upward trajectory throughout the season. He was narrowly denied a win at Newbury when he finished second, and a modest three‑pound weight increase seems a fair reflection of his improving form. Under the guidance of jockey Lewis Edmunds, Hypnotised should be among the leading contenders for the handicap.
William Haggas’s Kinswomen also merits attention. She sits only a couple of lengths behind the Charlton runner in the official handicap, placing her comfortably within striking distance and making her a serious threat on the day. Adrestia, the 2025 Palace of Holyroodhouse Stakes winner, has been in excellent form this summer, remaining unbeaten in a series of hot handicaps.
With her weight dropping another two pounds for this race, she is expected to be heavily involved in the finish and could very well be the one to take the checkered flag. Overall, the Deauville card offers a blend of seasoned British talent and rising stars, all looking to make an impact on foreign soil. Whether it is Al Aasy’s seasoned consistency, Arrow Eagle’s farewell bid for a Group 1 win, or the emerging brilliance of Mazzala, the day promises plenty of drama for racing enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the Yarmouth handicap provides a different kind of excitement, with weight adjustments and form cycles creating a tightly contested race that could go either way.
Fans tuning in via Sky Sports Racing will have a full day of high‑stakes action, showcasing the depth and versatility of British thoroughbreds on the international stage.