From Chantilly to Ascot: Celebrating Entente Cordiale Prize Winners at Iconic Races

Entente Cordiale Prize Winners at the Prix de Diane

On June 15, 2025, the French winners of the Entente Cordiale Day Prizes were invited by France Galop to attend the prestigious Prix de Diane, one of the most elegant and historic horse races in the world. Held annually at the Chantilly Racecourse, just north of Paris, the Prix de Diane is a showcase of top-tier equestrian talent and a celebration of French fashion, tradition, and culture. Often referred to as the “French Oaks,” the race dates back to 1843 and has evolved into an unmissable summer social event.

This year, the occasion became even more special for the winners of the Entente Cordiale Day Prizes, awards that recognise academic excellence across the UK and France. Among the attendees was Lesly Kana, a Master’s candidate in Managerial Sciences at EDHEC Business School, and recipient of the Prix President Loubet.

We had the pleasure of speaking with Lesly about her experience at the Prix de Diane and what the day meant to her.

To begin with, it was my first time attending an equestrian race, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. From the hushed conversations one hears upon entering, to the scent of grass and soil—everything felt so unique. I loved spending the day among people passionate about horse riding and blending into their world, even if just for a moment. It gave me the strange yet wonderful sensation of stepping into another era.

I particularly enjoyed watching the hats—each one more impressive than the last.

A heartfelt thank you to the organizing committee and to France Galop for giving me the opportunity to take part in such a memorable event.

Lesly and her team were honoured for their outstanding report on agroforestry as a scalable and sustainable strategy to enhance climate resilience, conserve biodiversity, and foster economic development in Cameroon and India. Their research has been widely celebrated online, even featuring on The Hindu.

Entente Cordiale Prize Winners at the Royal Ascot

On Saturday, 26th July 2025, the British winners of the Entente Cordiale Day Prizes were honoured with a truly unforgettable experience: an invitation to attend King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes Day at the Royal Ascot. This special day at Ascot is one of the highlights of the British summer social and sporting calendar. The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes is one of the most prestigious races in the flat racing season, attracting elite horses, jockeys, and spectators from around the world. With its rich traditions, sartorial elegance, and royal patronage, Ascot represents a quintessentially British heritage.

Among the guests was Ayleen Roy, an exchange student at King's College London and winner of the Queen Elizabeth II Prize. She and her team were recognised for their proposal on climate adaptation in Vietnam, centred around the development of community gardens cultivating neglected and underutilised species. Their project, grounded in ancestral agricultural knowledge and local engagement, offers a promising approach to combating food insecurity and biodiversity loss while showcasing the potential of international academic cooperation in building sustainable, community-led solutions.

Reflecting on her day at Ascot, Ayleen shared:

From the moment we arrived, we were made to feel exceptionally welcome, with warm introductions and gracious hospitality throughout the day. Each was very curious about the reports we won with and the Challenge.

The winners were invited by the Trustees of the Ascot Authority, Sir Francis Brooke, Harry Morley, and Lady Celina Carter, to join them for lunch in the Authority Box, followed by an afternoon of world-class racing. From start to finish, the day was marked by gracious hospitality, enriching conversations, and a once-in-a-lifetime view of the sport’s finest. As Ayleen told us:

We enjoyed a delicious lunch while watching the races from the best vantage point, alongside distinguished guests such as Nicholas Soames, whom I met on the Entente Cordiale Day. We even had the chance to go down from the Authority Box to see the horses up close and place a few bets, which was a thrilling highlight.

It was truly an unforgettable experience, made all the more special by the kindness and generosity of our hosts. I am deeply grateful for this incredible opportunity.

Ayleen Roi with Sir Francis Brooke (middle), Chairman of the Ascot Authority

Days like this exemplify the mission of the Entente Cordiale Prize initiative: to create meaningful connections, foster mutual understanding, and celebrate the power of academic and cultural exchange between the UK and France.