France where racing makes sense

France is a unique racing nation. 27 G.I races take place every year. Legendary racourses, Chantilly, Longchamp, Auteuil, Deauville,... welcome prestigious races such as the Prix du Jockey club, the Prix de Diane, the Grand Steeple-chase de Paris and the worldwide famous 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 €230 millions distributed in 2008, France has the best rewarding system in Europe.

Excellent prize-money and selectivity at the heart of French racing.

France is the best racing nation in Europe in terms of prizemoney, breeders’ and owners’ premiums. The percentage of keeping and training expenses covered by prizemoney won per horses having run is also the must valuable one.

In 2009, each of the 27 Gr.1 races have distributed a minimum of €250 000 (total allocations/race), the 26 Gr.2 €130 000 and the 57 Gr.3 €80 000.

Listed races have also been increased in number and their prize-money boosted.

A rich and diversified program

The flat racing program has been deeply remodelled over the last years, now offering opportunities for horses from all categories a chance to compete every 3 weeks on average. Dedicated funds are reserved each year to the creation of additional races, according to specific needs within each category, and at different times of the year. This money is prioritarily used to boost conditions races for 2 & 3 year-olds, hence striving to avoid eliminations, should the number of starters become too important in certain categories. The different category of conditions races are classified from A to F (A being the highest, just below Listed races level)