Prix La Haye Jousselin - History

History

The event was established in 1880, and it was originally called the Prix de la Croix de Berny. It was initially contested over 6,000 metres, and it was cut to 5,600 metres in 1893. It was given its present title in 1903, and at the same time it was shortened by 100 metres.

Its new title was in memory of Edmond de La Haye Jousselin (1839–1903), a founding member of the Société des Steeple-Chases de France. As a steward and administrator of this organisation, La Haye Jousselin assisted with the design of Auteuil's racetracks, and he oversaw the construction of its obstacles. He later became the vice-chairman, a position he occupied until his death.

The Prix La Haye Jousselin was abandoned throughout World War I, with no running from 1914 to 1918. It was cancelled once during World War II, in 1939. It was cut to 4,500 metres in 1940, and it was restored to 5,500 metres in 1941.

Notable winners of the Prix La Haye Jousselin include The Fellow, a subsequent winner of the Cheltenham Gold Cup, and Al Capone II, a repeat winner in the 1990s. The latter achieved the extraordinary feat of winning the race seven times in successive years from 1993 to 1999. Many winners have also achieved victory in the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris, which is held at the same venue in late May. The most recent of these is Remember Rose, the winner of the latter event in 2009.