Natroun over 2400 metres at Longchamp Racecourse on 7 May. Two weeks later he contested the Prix de l'Avre over the same course and distance and won by five lengths from Bilal. Following the race, the colt's owner paid a supplementary entry fee of approximately £15,200 to enter the horse in the Prix du Jockey-Club, reportedly at the urging of Saint-Martin. On 7 June, Natroun contested the 150th running of the Prix du Jockey-Club over 2400 metres at Chantilly Racecourse. In France, horses in the same ownership or stable are coupled for betting purposes. The Vincent O'Brien pair Ancient Times and
Jockey Club Gold Cup Dancer, Nashua, Citation, Whirlaway and War Admiral. Despite the current $1,000,000 purse and Grade 1 status, the stature of the race has suffered somewhat in recent years thanks to the emergence of the Breeders' Cup Classic held not long afterward, as well as a change in distance to miles in 1990, reducing its distinctiveness. Part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge series, the winner of the Jockey Club Gold Cup automatically qualifies for the Breeders' Cup Classic. Before it was known as the Jockey Club Gold Cup, it began as the Jockey Club Stakes. This was its name when Man o'