In the context of this artwork, analyze the Second running of the Grand Prix de Paris of the Background.
On Sunday, June 5, 1864, the second running of the Grand Prix de Paris was held at Longchamp. The first Grand Prix the year prior saw an English horse win the race. A hundred thousand Parisians, including Manet, watched the 1864 race unfold as the favorite, Blair Athol, an English horse, raced against the local star Vermouth. Blair had won the 1864 Epsom Derby and was a 2-1 favorite at post-time. But Blair never led and Vermouth won by two full-lengths. This race would be the setting of Manet's painting.
Longchamp Epsom Derby Blair Athol Grand Prix de Paris