Grosser Preis von Baden |
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The Grosser Preis von Baden is Germany's most prestigious Thoroughbred horse race. It is held annually in early September at the Iffezheim Racecourse in Baden-Baden. Open to international competitors, the race is for horses aged three-years-old or over, and it presently offers a purse of €250,000.
The race was founded in 1858 by French businessman and local casino operator Edouard Bénazet, with help from the Jockey-Club de Paris. It was part of a three-day racecourse opening festival held from September 5th to the 8th.
Since 1898 it has been run at a distance of 2,400 meters (1½ miles). Previously it had been contested at various distances. From the inaugural event in 1858 through 1886 it was run at a distance of 3,200 meters, from 1887 to 1893 at 2,800 meters, and from 1894 to 1897 at 2,200 meters.