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This particular racecourse plays host to the Gras Savoye Grand
Steeple-Chase de Paris, which is held on the last Sunday in May. Classed as the most
spectacular event of the season the Gras Savoye Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris is one of the
longest of any French horse race courses and has 23 obstacles for the horse and rider to
negotiate.
The Auteuil horserace course also holds an International Jumps Weekend in November and the
Dimanches au Galop, which are racing Sundays for the
whole family.
Chantilly Racecourse
The Chantilly horserace course holds two internationally renowned races in June, and the
Prix du Jockey Club is one of the largest Group 1 races held in Europe. This has been
established as the second most richly rewarded event in flat racing in France for the
colts racing over a mile and a quarter.
The second renowned horse race is called the Prix de Diane that selects the best European
filly and is also over a mile and a quarter.
Deauville Racecourse
Deauville-La Touques is one of the leading flat racing venues in France and is only a
short trip from Paris, and at this venue they have a
calendar comprising almost fifty meetings through each year.
Situated amid a delightful 75 hectare expanse of greenery, the racing calendar is spread
over seven months of the year, which draws numerous tourists, especially during the summer
months where they hold Group 1 races in August, but they also hold numerous different
events that are always a place for relaxation, excitement and entertainment.
The training centre accommodates around 300 horses during the year, but this rises to
almost 600 in August, and with the renowned August yearling sales and the neighbouring
stud farms, these all contribute to the prestige of this venue. Deauville-la Touques
Racecourse, in immediate proximity to the town centre and sea shore.
Enghien Racecourse
The Enghien horserace course plays host to two different types of events and this
racecourse is split between trotting races that are organised by le Cheval Fran?ais and
jump races, which are organised by France Galop.
The two grandest jumps races on the Enghien racecourse calendar are the Grand
Steeple-Chase d'Enghien held in October, and the Grande Course de Haies d'Enghien, which
is also called the Prix L?opold d'Orsetti and is usually held in either late October or
early November.
Longchamp Racecourse
The Longchamp horserace venue is located at
the heart of the Bois de Boulogne just outside of the City of Paris and this is a flagship
racecourse for France Galop.
The quality of the Longchamp horse race track and the race card where they hold sixteen
Group 1 events, plus the prestigious Qatar
Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe held on the first Sunday in October all contribute to the
international prestige of French racing and France is among the worlds top horse racing
nations.
The Longchamp racecourse venue spans over 55 hectares and is a favourite spot for many
Parisians when it comes to a day out of leisure and relaxation, plus the Dimanches au
Galop, which is a family day out has proved exceedingly popular here.
Maisons-Laffitte Racecourse
The Maisons-Laffitte is actually the largest racecourse in the Paris area and is located
in a leafy park right by the River Seine.
Together with the Newmarket Racecourse in the UK, it boasts a 2,000 metre home straight
that is the longest in Europe.
Each year on a Sunday in July there is a special event in which to attract families rather
than just true horseracing enthusiasts and has a theme of a country picnic, so is a great
destination for a day out even with children.
The Maison-Lafitte horse race course also plays host to some Group 2 races through the
year.
Saint-Cloud Racecourse
The Saint-Cloud racecourse is set on a hillside and overlooks the western side of Paris,
offering some brilliant panoramic views and a spacious area ideal for picnics and
relaxation.
The flat racing programme includes three Group 1 events and one of these is the actual
trials for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and hosted in June it is called the Grand Prix de
Saint-Cloud.
On the 1st May every year the French regional council in the area and France Galop
organise a day that is designed to bring together all things equestrian from leisure
through to racing. There is a wide variety of horse based entertainment along with a
country fair and designed to get the whole family together alongside horseracing
enthusiasts, it is definitely a day that all will remember.
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