Deauville racecourse was decorated in green and red on Sunday as the Aga Khan Studs sponsored all nine races on this Group 1 raceday.

The highlight of the day was the Gr.1 Aga Khan Studs Prix Jacques Le Marois, which went the way of Diego Velazquez in the famous Sangster racing silks. Bred by Epona Bloodstock, the colt was recently purchased by Sam Sangster, who received the trophy from Princess Zahra Aga Khan.

On a recent visit from the press to Haras de Bonneval ahead of the Aga Khan sponsored race day, Princess Zahra Aga Khan said: “It’s a pleasure to sponsor this race, and this is the first time that we have sponsored a race since the National Stakes in 2002. It’s a recognition of the industry, of everything the industry does for us, and also represents all that we try to do for the industry. It’s a historic race, named for the great breeder Jacques Le Marois. It was won on 10 occasions by Marcel Boussac, thus creating a strong connection to my father. It’s lovely to be here, and to welcome you to this beautiful weekend!”

All winning connections on the day were presented with hand-crafted Halycon Days enamel boxes, featuring portraits of two equine icons bred and raced by the Aga Khan IV – Siyouni and Zarkava, as painted by Charles Church.

The Gr.3 Aga Khan Studs Prix Lady O’Reilly (Prix Minerve) was won by Indalimos (a granddaughter of Sea The Stars), while the Gr.3 Aga Khan Studs Prix François Boutin went to the sponsors, as Rayif won by two and a half lengths. Rayif is a half-brother to Group 1 placed sprinter Rayevka, and could now be aimed at the Gr.1 Prix Jean Luc Lagardère on Arc day.