The Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to thoroughbreds aged two years or older. It is run at Longchamp over a distance of 1,000 metres (about 5 furlongs), and it is scheduled to take place each year in early October.

History

The event is named after the Abbaye de Longchamp, an abbey founded in the 13th century by Isabelle, the sister of Saint Louis. The abbey was located on what became the northern edge of the racecourse. It was destroyed during the French Revolution, and its site is now partly occupied by the Château de Longchamp. The Prix de l'Abbaye was one of two major races introduced to celebrate Longchamp's centenary in 1957. Both were added to the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe fixture, which is usually on the first Sunday in October. The other event, the Prix du Moulin, was subsequently moved to September. The present system of race grading was introduced in 1971, and the Prix de l'Abbaye was initially given Group 2 status. It was promoted to Group 1 level in 1976. It originally excluded geldings, but the restriction was lifted in 2001. The Prix de l'Abbaye became part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge series in 2009. From this point the winner earned an automatic invitation to compete in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint. It was removed from the series in 2011.

Records

Most successful horse (2 wins): Leading jockey (5 wins): Leading trainer (8 wins): Leading owner (4 wins):

Winners since 1972

Earlier winners