The Prix mondial Cino Del Duca, an international literary award, stands as one of the primary initiatives established by Simone Del Duca following the death of her husband in 1967. Over the subsequent decades, she transitioned from a corporate director into a significant figure in French philanthropy, the arts, and the world of high-level thoroughbred racing.
Philanthropy and Academic Support
Following the passing of her husband, the Italian publisher Cino Del Duca, Simone assumed management of his business interests. By 1975, she had formalized her charitable work through the creation of the Simone and Cino Del Duca Foundation. This organization provided sustained funding for scientific research, expanding her public influence. In 1994, she joined the Académie des Beaux-Arts, where she utilized her position to finance major prizes dedicated to music and the visual arts.
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Outside of her administrative roles, Del Duca operated the Haras de Quétiéville stud farm located in Biéville-Quétiéville, within the Calvados department. Her horses competed at the Deauville racecourse and achieved several notable victories. In 1959, the colt Herbager earned the Prix du Jockey Club and was designated the French Champion Three-Year-Old Colt. Later, in 1962, her horse Soltikoff secured a victory in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Her involvement continued for decades, with Marly River winning French Horse of the Year honors in the hurdling category in 1987.
Life and Recognition
Born in 1912 in Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, Del Duca maintained a diverse professional profile as a businessperson, entrepreneur, and art collector. The French government acknowledged her contributions to society by naming her a Knight of the Legion of Honour in 1971. She died in 2004 at the age of 91 in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. She is buried alongside her husband at the Père Lachaise Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1912, Saint-Maur-des-Fossés
- Died: 2004, 7th arrondissement of Paris
- Spouse: Cino Del Duca
- Awards: Knight of the Legion of Honour (1971)
- Significant horse: Herbager (1959 Prix du Jockey Club winner)
- Philanthropy: Founder of the Simone and Cino Del Duca Foundation
- Professional memberships: Académie des Beaux-Arts
- Burial site: Père Lachaise Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What was the purpose of the Prix mondial Cino Del Duca?
Established in 1969, it serves as a prestigious literary prize available to qualified individuals from anywhere in the world.
Where did Simone Del Duca conduct her horse breeding operations?
She owned and operated the Haras de Quétiéville stud farm in Biéville-Quétiéville, located in the Basse-Normandie region.
Achievements
- Knight of the Legion of Honour — 1971
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