The 2004 Prix du Jockey Club took place on Sunday 6 June at Chantilly.
The setting was ideal; sunny and hot with a slight breeze nicely refreshing the big Chantilly crowds who came in numbers this year to witness a truly exciting race. The favorite amongst the French racing goers, La Voix du Nord, was nowhere to be seen in the final straight. The race was won in the end, after an exciting finish, by the outsider, number five, Blue Canari & ridden by Thierry Thulliez .The horse is owned by Ecurie Jean Louis Bouchard and trained by P. Bary . Second was number 14 Prospeck Park ridden by Olivier Peslier & third was number 8 Valixir ridden by Eric Legrix.
Below is the photo finish followed by the presentation pictures:
Prior to the prix du Jockey club, the other big group 1 race was the Prix Jean Prat. The winner was number 8 Bago ridden by Thierry Gillet and owned by the Niarcos family.
Below are the presentation pictures:
Chantilly has moved up this year. France Galop spent millions of Euros in upgrading the racecourse. The original stand structure & design were kept and upgraded . And with the creation of a panoramic restaurant and of betting hall , the result is impressive. Chantilly is now ready to stage more events and in comfort.
This year, with the English Derby beeing run on the same weekend, the English racegoers did not come in numbers. However, those who came to witness this event have thoroughly enjoyed their days and , of course did not miss out as the Derby was transmitted live at the racecourse and formed part of the racecard (Derby stakes) at Chantilly.
The locals & celebrities came in numbers this year and some of them made that extra effort to show their latest racing fashions and here are some of the best captions:
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Madame
Bouchard in the winners enclosure
Next week the crowds will no doubt return to Chantilly for the Prix Diane de Hermes (group 1 French Oaks) and for the expected fashion and colour spectacle.. Watch this space..