Astrolabe

Research Status: Basic Last Updated: 2025-12-07 Diary Coverage: Up to 1873-02-20

A racehorse that won at Cagnes, mentioned by Marie in February 1873.

Mentions in the Diary

• February 20, 1873: Marie notes with excitement that "Astrolabe a gagné tout à Cagnes!" (Astrolabe won everything at Cagnes!). The context suggests this horse may have been associated with someone Marie knew or admired.

Historical Context

Cagnes-sur-Mer (often referred to simply as Cagnes) is a town near Nice that hosted horse races, a popular entertainment among the aristocratic winter visitors to the French Riviera. Horse racing was an important part of the social season, and many aristocrats owned racehorses or followed the races closely.

The name "Astrolabe" (a navigational instrument) suggests a sophisticated owner with maritime or scientific interests. In the 19th century, naming racehorses after nautical instruments was common among aristocrats with naval connections.

Marie's excited mention suggests either:

• She had placed bets on the horse (or her family had)
• The horse belonged to someone in her social circle
• She was following the races as part of the social activities of Nice

%%2025-12-07T12:25:00 RSR: Need to research Cagnes racing history and whether ownership records exist for this horse%%