French horse racing government body France Galop is targeting greater transatlantic connections via a partnership with 1/ST, a US racing betting provider.
The agreement aims to foster greater connections between French and North American racetracks, in doing so boosting the international profile and prize funds for the fixtures involved.
Increasing the number of runners entered into participating races, engage more international audiences and drive global wagering turnover – the latter of which horse racing as a sport is highly dependent on across various markets.
Henri Pouret, Chief Operating Officer at France Galop, said: “We’re naturally delighted to be teaming up with 1/ST on this compelling initiative which will introduce many new French racing fans to Preakness 149 and add some welcome transatlantic flavour to the Group 1 Sumbe Prix Jean Romanet Stakes, now in its 20th year of attracting the best middle-distance horses in the business.
“The travel stipend is an excellent incentive for facilitating stress-free long-haul travel, helping to secure a stellar field of global contenders for the Romanet, and proving that racing is a sport whose worldwide appeal is no barrier to worldwide participation, be it in France or the States.
“We look forward to welcoming the Gallorette victor to Deauville later this summer and building on the success of US-trained horses at other elite European events, such as Royal Ascot.”
Delivery of the partnership began with the $100,000 Grade 3 Gallorette Stakes on Preakness 149 race day at 1/ST’s Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland on 18 May.
The winner of this race will then receive a freq equine travel stipend to cover travel costs to France to participate in the €250,000 Group 1 Sumbe Prix Jean Romanet Stakes at Deauville on 18 August.
Although its offering focuses chiefly around US racing – with notable bookmaker partners including US-facing brands like PointsBet – 1/ST has been building up its standing across the Atlantic, with this week’s France Galop partnership following a deal with the UK Jockey Club and Ascot Racecourse.
Aidan Butler, President of 1/ST, remarked: “1/ST is thrilled to create another great global partnership, breaking new ground in France with our friends at France Galop.
“This Gallorette-Romanet pathway is an exciting trial for hopefully more reciprocal race days in France, considering France Galop’s rich heritage in staging many of the most prestigious turf contests in Europe at courses like Deauville, Chantilly and Longchamp.
“We look forward to announcing more global racing partnerships over the year ahead. Whether we’re bolstering the brand, increasing horse-recruitment numbers, or driving wagering dollars overseas, it’s high time for more innovative moments on the worldwide racing stage.”
