The winter meeting begins & Prix de Cornulier winner returns
The Prix de Cévennes opens the winter meeting at Vincennes on October 29. The group 3 race is open to horses registered in any European country, aged 6-10, who haven't earned over €1,200,000. Held over 2850m, the race offers €40,500 to the winner.
This year's edition features several horses expected to play a role during the winter meeting, which is why we'll look into all the participants.
In partnership with Travstugan
Inmarosa, winner of the 2025 Harper Hanovers Lopp and Prix du Bourbonnais, wasn't at the same level in the Prix d’Amérique. Still, she is a fighter on the track and belongs to the elite. Often picking up minor placings, this race looks well suited to her. She prepared well at Laval on September 30, and driver Alexandre Abrivard confirms the mare is ready:
“She did something special at Laval, in a cracking time! (1’11’’2 over 2900m) Following that, she finds this ideal race, a golden opportunity for her. She's in excellent form and, in theory, it's pretty much her kind of race.”
Krack Time Atout is getting into a rhythm again. He benefits from a hidden race and can use his closing speed here.
Jingle du Pont has produced several strong performances against the elite in late summer. His latest race at Reims only served to maintain fitness.
Harley Gema will hope to bounce back but already showed a turn of speed at Laval on September 30. Although disqualified in Turin on October 11, her driver confirms she's in form and capable of finishing in the top four.
Horchestro and Hulysse Digeo are consistent performers who both do well at Vincennes. Hulysse Digeo's trainer expects him to be in top form, while Horchestro returns after a six-week break, which is a bit long for him. Both have qualities that make them interesting contenders for a placing.
Jabalpur has been struggling to find the podium for a year now. The world record holder over 2100m is looking for a breakthrough performance and will run barefoot again, his preferred set-up. Even when he doesn't finish in the top 5, he delivers impressive times.
Harmony du Rabutin is preparing for the Prix de Bretagne and needs more racing to get back to her best. After a breakthrough season against the elite in 2025/2026, the 9-year-old is worth keeping an eye on this winter.
Hannibal Tuilerie is expected to run economically and use his finishing speed. Trainer Charles Bruneau will be happy with a small placing.
Karambar is not at his peak and is aiming for future goals. His trainer mainly hopes to see him finish strong.
Favorites: Inmarosa, Krack Time Atout, Jingle du Pont Challengers: Harley Gema, Horchestro, Hulysse Digeo, Jabalpur Outsiders: Harmony du Rabutin, Hannibal Tuilerie, Karambar
Other runners in the Prix de Cévennes
The 2026 Prix de Cornulier and Grand Critérium de Vitesse winner Iguski Sautonne returns after an 8-month break. His trainer and driver, Matthieu Abrivard, explains why:
“He suffered from tendon fatigue after his excellent winter. Furthermore, he completed the breeding season. He could have made his return earlier, but I preferred to wait until Vincennes. For his return to competition after almost eight months away, he will need a break, especially since he will remain shod. Under these conditions, it is best to leave him out.”
It remains unclear whether Iguski Sautonne will aim for the Prix de Cornulier again or give the Prix d’Amérique a shot.
Kapaula de l’Epine is targeting a successful winter meeting in the monté discipline. She won the group 1 Prix de l’Île-de-France earlier this year and is a consistent placer at the highest level in monté races. She can be left out here.
Justin Bold returns after almost nine months away from racing following health problems last winter, while Hubble du Vivier hasn't raced for almost 10 months due to leg problems. Both will gradually build up their fitness during the early stages of the winter meeting.
Geldings and French rules
Horchestro, Hannibal Tuilerie, Hulysse Digeo, Jingle du Pont, Hubble du Vivier and Karambar are all gelded and therefore cannot participate in any qualifying races or finals for the Prix d’Amérique or Prix de Cornulier.
They are nevertheless worth watching in sub-top races throughout the winter meeting.
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