History
Despite being scheduled for the autumn, the event is named after Flora, a Roman goddess associated with spring. It was established in 1893, and was originally held at Maisons-Laffitte. It was initially restricted to three-year-olds and contested over 2,000 metres. It was extended to 2,100 metres in 1898.
The race reverted to 2,000 metres in 1913. It was abandoned throughout World War I, with no running from 1914 to 1918.
The event was switched to Saint-Cloud and increased to 2,100 metres in 1925. It was restored to 2,000 metres in 1935. A longer spell over 2,100 metres began in 1938.
The Prix de Flore was cancelled twice during World War II, in 1939 and 1940. It was staged at Longchamp in 1941 and 1942, Maisons-Laffitte in 1943, and Le Tremblay in 1944. It took place at Longchamp again in 1945 and 1954.
The present system of race grading was introduced in 1971, and the Prix de Flore was classed at Group 3 level. It was opened to older fillies and mares in 1981.
Read more about this topic: Prix De Flore (horse Race)
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