The event is named in memory of Henri Greffulhe (1815–1879), a long-serving member of the Société d'Encouragement.
The Prix Greffulhe was restricted to the produce of mares born and bred in France.
It was funded by entries submitted before a horse's birth, in the year of conception.
Two winners, Sea Bird (1965) and Pour Moi (2011), subsequently won The Derby.
The Prix Greffulhe was previously restricted to colts and fillies.