For two months each summer, Cabourg throngs with spectators who come for the twilight meetings and activities. The festival began a fortnight ago and the track stages racing each Tuesday and Friday until 29 August. Adults and children are well-catered for with a wide range of animations, stable visits and restaurants.

Each meeting comprises eight races, principal among them the Grand Prix de Cabourg, the Prix Fandango, and Prix des Hêtres.

On Friday, 21 July, Stéphane Provoost will send no fewer than six horses, and the trainer from Lisieux will be represented by stable star, Hidalgo Des Noés in the highly-competitive Grand Prix de la Ville.

“I’ll start the day with Iceberg Blanc who won’t have an easy time of it from the second line. See how he goes and then watch him again in a couple of weeks at Enghien.

“For the big race, Hidalgo Des Noés is in excellent physical condition. The initial handicap against horses like Infant Perrine, Heradames or even Ghostbuster, will be tough. That said, my horse is a fast starter and I expect him to be competitive for a place. My other horse in the field, Derby Du Dollar, can be ruled out since he will be shod for comeback.

“We’ve done well with mobile-start positions. Kalimero De Rio has come on nicely for his Clairefontaine run, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he finishes close. Kool De Valvic disappointed me last Friday, although I’m not sure what went wrong. He can set the record straight though, if he reproduces his morning work.

“In the last, I have my best shot of the day with Kalmia Des Noés. She will be fitted with four pads for the first time, and with Yoann Lebourgeois onboard, she has a live chance.”