Horse Racing in France
France is a country situated in Western Europe which is renowned for its fashion, culture and scenic locations. It is considered to be the fashion capital of the world which is why the country witnesses a high density of tourists from all around the world.
Being a tourist destination does help in brewing up newer industries in a country like France. This is the sole reason why horse racing in the country has emerged as a powerhouse in Europe. The governing authority behind horse racing in France is known as the French Horseracing Authority (FHA). They organize equestrian events and grand prix races which usually include flat and jump races. The FHA has been supporting the breeding industry in order to encourage the industry as a whole. This French association is doing a remarkable job in flourishing the racing industry of France.
Some of most prominent racecourses in France include the Auteuil Hippodrome, Hippodrome Deauville-La Touques, Deauville-Clairefontaine Racecourse, Maisons-Laffitte Racecourse, Marseille Borely Racecourse, Marseille Borely Racecourse and the Longchamp Racecourse.
The Auteuil Hippodrome is a horse racing venue on Route des Lacs in Paris, France. It was inaugurated on the first of November in 1873. The racecourse covers a total distance of 33-hectares on which the track has been built (82-acre). It is designed exclusively for steeplechase racing which is why the track has become so famous around the world. Since it was built, there have been a lot of improvements brought to this course which include the two pedestrian tunnels which were built under the tracks that lead to the Porte d'Auteuil and the Porte de Passy. It is operated under the auspices of France Galop. Some important and major annual races held at the Auteuil Hippodrome include the Prix du Président de la République in April, the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris in late May, the Grande Course de Haies in June, and the Prix La Haye Jousselin in early November.
The Hippodrome Deauville-La Touques is the second most important racecourse in France. It is a race track open for thoroughbred horse racing and is located in the city of Deauville in France. This racecourse was constructed in 1862 by Charles Auguste Louis Joseph duc de Morny, the half brother of Louis Napoleon Bonaparte. Originally, the arena was known as the Hippodrome de la Touques, but as time passed away, it was re-named for the Touques River that separates the city of Deauville from Trouville-sur-Mer.
Longchamp Racecourse is another premier race track in France. There are 50 gates for the entrance, which allow a lot of people to step onto the grounds. There are special seats installed for the VIP guests which are located right next to the finish line. It is a large grassy expanse where the second finish line is located 1/16 miles past the regular finish line.
Some of the major races in France include the Grand Prix de Paris, Poule d'Essai des Poulains (French 2000 Guineas), Poule d'Essai des Pouliches (French 1000 Guineas), Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Prix de Diane (French Oaks) and the Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby).
Grand Prix de Paris is a Group 1 flat horse race in France which is open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. This race was initiated on May 31, 1863. It is run at the Longchamp racecourse over a distance of 2,400 metres (about 1½ miles), and is scheduled to take place on an annual basis in July.
The Poule d'Essai des Poulains, sometimes referred to as the French 2,000 Guineas, is a Group 1 flat horse race in France which is open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts. It was established in 1840 and is run at the Longchamp over a distance of 1,600 metres (about 1 mile). The race is scheduled to take place each year in May.
The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is a Group 1 flat horse race in France which is open to thoroughbreds of three years in age or older. In 1863, this new horse racing event was launched in the country in order to promote the practice of bringing up healthy horses. It is run at the Longchamp racecourse as well over a distance of 2,400 metres (about 1½ miles). The race is scheduled to take place each year, usually on the first Sunday in October on an annual basis.
One of the ten great and prolific horse owners of the world include Prince Aga Khan, who belongs to France. He is a great figure in the history of this country. The Prince has become a famous racehorse owner and breeder in markets around the globe. One of Aga Khan's main sources of income is his horseracing interests, which on the other hand have not only turned him into a famous celebrity but has also made rich. In 2006, the Aga Khan became a majority shareholder of the well known and highly respected French horse auction house known as Arqana.
All these achievements have made France into a powerhouse in horse racing history. The French Racing Authority arranges some the richest horse racing events in the world. This is why the prize money on offer for the races held in France is comparable to any place in the world.
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