This Sunday’s Deauville meeting promises a strong showing from British horses, all of which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. The programme features a blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, each aiming to make an impact on a high‑quality card that offers a range of Group and Listed races.
The centerpiece of the day is the Group 2 Grand Prix de Deauville, a race that carries an open, competitive feel as Al Aasy squares off against Arrow Eagle. Al Aasy, a nine‑year‑old veteran trained by the renowned William Haggas, has compiled an impressive record of twelve wins since his debut in 2019. His recent form includes a victory at Beverley in July and a solid third‑place finish at Goodwood, confirming that he remains in good condition and ready to step up in class once more.
His consistency and experience make him a genuine threat in this contest. Arrow Eagle, on the other hand, represents the final chapter for the soon‑to‑retire trainer Jean‑Claude Rouget. The colt earned the distinction of being Rouget’s last Group 1 winner when he captured the Royal‑Oak last season. Although Arrow Eagle showed a slight dip in the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier, where he weakened in the closing stages, his pedigree and prior top‑level success suggest he could find the conditions at Deauville more favorable.
The race therefore sets up a compelling duel between a seasoned campaigner and a horse looking to reaffirm his elite credentials. Adding further intrigue is Mazzala, an unbeaten four‑year‑old who has already secured victories at the Listed and Group 3 levels in his last two starts.
His flawless record and upward trajectory make him a serious contender for trainer Yann Barberot, who will be eager to see the colt continue his progression against quality opposition. The Group 3 Prix de Meautry will showcase a thrilling clash between two British runners, Into The Sky and Mitbaahy. Into The Sky, a standout from Jim Boyle’s stable, made a sparkling return earlier this spring, finishing fourth behind Bow Eacho in the 2000 Guineas.
Although he was unable to replicate that performance at Royal Ascot over a seven‑furlong distance, the horse has shown resilience and adaptability. Dropping back in class and distance under the skilled guidance of jockey Pierre‑Charles Boudot, Into The Sky is expected to be a strong contender in the Meautry. Mitbaahy, a reliable performer at this level, demonstrated his quality by chasing home Symbol Of Honour at Newbury in his penultimate outing.
He then secured a close third in the Stewards Cup, finishing just a neck behind the winner. A repeat of that effort would place him firmly in the mix for the Group 3 prize and could enhance his reputation as a consistent high‑class competitor. Other British entries worth monitoring include La Brodeuse and Zoum Zoum, both of which have shown promise in recent form and could provide additional excitement throughout the card.
Turning to the feature race at Yarmouth, the Bodhi Solutions – Exceeding Expectations In Construction Handicap promises to be a standout event with nine runners, among them the highly regarded Hypnotised and Adrestia. Hypnotised, trained by Harry Charlton, has shown steady improvement over the season and was narrowly denied victory when he finished second at Newbury in his most recent start.
Carrying a modest three‑pound increase, he is expected to be in contention again, especially under the experienced riding of Lewis Edmunds. William Haggas’s Kinswomen also appears to be a strong candidate, sitting only a couple of lengths behind the Charlton runner and making the shortlist for the handicap.
Adrestia, the winner of the 2025 Palace Of Holyroodhouse Stakes, has demonstrated formidable form in a series of hot handicaps over the summer. Having not been beaten in her recent outings, she will be carrying an additional two pounds but is still expected to be a major factor in the race, potentially influencing the pace and finishing order. Overall, the Deauville card offers a rich tapestry of British talent across multiple distances and classes. From seasoned Group‑level veterans like Al Aasy and Arrow Eagle to rising stars such as Mazzala and the resilient Mitbaahy, there is a compelling narrative of experience meeting ambition.
The inclusion of strong contenders in the Yarmouth handicap further enhances the day’s appeal, ensuring that viewers on Sky Sports Racing will be treated to a series of high‑stakes battles, tactical riding, and the ever‑present possibility of an upset. Whether you are a fan of classic distance races or prefer the excitement of sprint handicaps, the programme delivers a comprehensive showcase of British equine excellence on French soil.