Racing

France is a unique racing nation boasting 27 Group 1 races, including the top highest rated race in the world, Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Legendary racecourses, Chantilly, Longchamp, Auteuil, Deauville… host such prestigious races as the Prix du Jockey Club, the Prix de Diane Longines, the Grand Steeple-chase de Paris and the world famous Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

There has never been a better time to own and race horses in France. Historical training centres, Chantilly, Maisons-Laffitte, designed to craft champions, are located only one hour from the Champs-Elysées. With more than €281.6 millions distributed in 2015, France is the most rewarding system in Europe.

In 2015 each of the 27 Gr.1 races distributed a minimum of €250 000 (total allocations per race), with a minimum of €130 000 for each of the 26 Gr. 2 races and €80 000 for each of the 58 Gr.3 races. The number of listed races has been increased along with a generous boost to prize money.

Prize Money & Premiums

Excellent prize-money and quality bloodlines are at the heart of French racing.  With more than €281.6 million distributed in 2015 France leads the field in terms of prize money, breeders’ and owners’ premiums and maintains the best ratio of keep and training expenses to prize money per runner in Europe.

Programme:  France offers a rich and diversified racing programme. With over 155 racecourses (plus another 100 reserved for trotting), the Hexagon boasts the highest number of racecourses in Europe.  From legendary courses to an extensive network of provincial tracks there is something for participants at every level whether on the flat or over jumps. Still hesitating? Just look at the figures.

Source: 2015 European Pattern Race, 2014/2015 IFHA, Panorama du Galop 2014.