The Prix Royal-Oak is an annual French Grade 1 flat horse race for thoroughbreds three-years-old and older with a purse of 250,000 euros. It is run over 3,100 meters on turf in late October at Longchamp Racecourse in Paris. When it was inaugurated in 1861, it was initially called the Grand Prix du Prince Imperial.

Then, the Grand Prix du Prince Imperial was restricted to three-year-olds and run over a distance of 3,200 meters. It was based on English style of horseracing and modeled after the prestigious English race, the St. Leger Stakes. In 1863 the Grand Prix du Prince Imperial was renamed the Prix Royal-Oak.

Its namesake was a well-respected French stallion called Royal Oak, who was foaled in 1823. Royal Oak epitomized everything that French thoroughbred breeding stood for in those days. Royal Oak sired three winners of the coveted Prix du Jockey Club and two winners of the equally regarded Prix de Diane.

In 1869 race organizers reduced the distance of the Prix Royal-Oak to 3,000 meters. In 1964 the Prix Royal-Oak was increased to 3,100 meters and in 1971 was awarded its current Grade 1 status. In 1977 it was moved to late October and in 1979 was opened to include older horses. In 1986 geldings were allowed.

Since the 1970s, the Prix Royal-Oak has yielded only two repeat winners - Amilynx in 1999 and 2000 and Westerner in 2003 and 2004. The fastest time ever set over 3,100 meters was in 2007 by Allegretto, who completed the course in a lightning quick 3m 15.5s.

Prix Royal-Oak - Past Winners

2003 Westerner
2004 Westerner
2005 Alcazar
2006 Montare
2007 Allegretto

Prix Royal-Oak - Betting

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