What Are the Major Horse Racing Events in France?

Horse racing is one of the most lucrative sports in the world, with millions of people across the world heading to a day at the track to watch some of the biggest races on the calendar. France is a country that is extremely passionate about horse racing, and the country hosts some of the biggest races on the calendar throughout the calendar year. These races are among the most popular with customers at Jeuxdecasinoenligne.org, who are looking to wager on the biggest names in the sport. But, what are some of the major horse races to be held in France over the course of the year? 

Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe

It would be hard to start anywhere else when talking about the biggest races in France other than the prestigious Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. This Group 1 is held annually in October, and it is considered to be the best race on turf throughout the year. Horses of all ages are able to compete in the race, which is run over a distance of 2,400 meters. It is the second richest race run on turf throughout the calendar year, and it was first held back in 1920.

The race offers a huge purse of $5 million, and it has been won by some of the legends of the game throughout its esteemed history. Only eight horses throughout history have won the race on multiple occasions, including the legendary Enable, who scored a second win in 2018.

Frankie Dettori is the most successful jockey in the history of the race, having won the Group 1 on six occasions. Meanwhile, Andre Fabre is the most successful trainer with eight wins. His most recent success came in 2019 with Waldgeist, who denied Enable a record-breaking third triumph.

Prix du Jockey Club

The Prix du Jockey Club is another of France’s most prestigious flat races, with this Group 1 taking place annually at Chantilly in June. It is billed as the French Derby, with horses aged three able to enter. A purse of $1.5 million is available to winning connections, with the field competing over a distance of 2,100 metres. The race was inspired by the Epsom Derby, and the Prix du Jockey Club was first run back in 1836.

Yves Saint-Martin is the most successful jockey in the history of the race, as he landed nine victories between 1965 and 1987. Meanwhile, the most famous trainer in the history of the race is Tom Jennings Sr, who trained a staggering ten winners of the Prix du Jockey Club between 1852 and 1882.

It has become a truly international affair in recent years, with Mishriff and St Mark’s Basilica winning the race for British and Irish connections in 2020 and 2021, respectively. However, the race returned to French connections in 2022, as the incredibly talented Vadeni won the race for Jean-Claude Rouget and jockey Christophe Soumillon.

Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris 

It isn’t all about the high-quality action on the flat in France, as there is also excellent jumps action staged throughout the year. The most lucrative and prestigious race run over jumps comes from Auteuil Racecourse, as the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris is held annually in late May. This race offers a slightly smaller purse of $850,000, but it often attracts a very talented field.

The race takes inspiration from the Grand National, which is held annually at Aintree in England. Horses involved in the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris will cover a total distance of 6,000 metres, with 23 fences jumped in total throughout the race. Horses aged five and older are able to compete in the prestigious race, which has been held annually since 1874.

Jean Daumas is the most successful jockey in the history of the race, as he won five editions of the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris between 1959 and 1966. He also claimed three victories on board Hyeres III, who remains one of the only runners to have won the race on three occasions. Meanwhile, Guillaume Macaire is the most successful trainer in history, having claimed seven wins between 1996 and 2022.

Final Thoughts 

Every year presents new questions for those that follow the action in France, as we will see new stars emerge in some of the biggest races on the calendar. It promises to be another thrilling year of racing action, with record-breaking crowds once again set to pass through Longchamp to see the prestigious Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in October. But, racing in France isn’t just about that Group 1, as there are huge races taking place weekly throughout the season.