DAMAN^AUGUST/SEPTEMBER2019168
SPECIAL REPORTOFF TO THE
RACES
HORSEMANSHIP AND
TIMEKEEPING BLEND
WITH FASHION AND
FESTIVITIES AT THE
170TH PRIX DE DIANE
LONGINES. JOEZER
MANDAGI REPORTS
FROM CHANTILLY,
FRANCET
hroughout its long history, Swiss watch
brand Longines has not only created
breakthrough in fine timepieces but also
innovations in timekeeping for various sports.
Unsurprisingly, this includes equestrian events,
and since 2011, Longines has become the title
partner and official timekeeper of the Prix de
Diane Longines, one of the most celebrated
races in Europe.
And this year, DA MAN was invited to attend
the 170th edition of the race at the Hippodrome
de Chantilly, about 50 kilometers north of Paris.Fun Under the Sun
Named after Diana, the Roman goddess of
the hunt, moon and nature, the Prix de Diane
dates all the way back to 1843. In its modern
incarnation, the event includes nine races,
with the main highlight being the fourth race,
which is the actual Prix de Diane Longines.Furthermore, it is considered a Group 1 race,
which represents the highest level of Flat racing
in the international horseracing calendar. As
such, the Prix de Diane Longines features 16
of the very finest thoroughbred fillies—young
female horses that are not yet considered mares,
in this case three years old—ridden by the best
jockeys from all over the world, competing for a
total prize of one million euros.
Arriving at the venue, however, you
quickly realize that the Prix de Diane is as
much a festival as it is a race. To that end,
the Hippodrome de Chantilly takes on the
atmosphere of an elegant garden party. All across
the grounds you will find families spreading
checkered tablecloths on top of the neatly
trimmed grass and open picnic baskets full of
food. Those looking to get the full Prix de Diane
experience might order a pre-packed picnic
presented in an elegant hatbox or enjoy a meal
at the shaded table d’hôte set right alongside the
track. Food trucks and stalls offering everything
from coffee and ice cream to sandwiches and
cold cuts are also plentiful.
Another aspect of the Prix de Diane
that you will definitely won’t miss would be
the extravagant hats worn by many of the