Fast Facts
Principal organisation: France Galop
Racecourses: 151
Number of gallop races in 2023: 6,890
Registered thoroughbred foal crop of 2022: 6,746
Thoroughbred racehorses in training: 9,565 approx.
Most famous race: Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, run in October (Flat); Grand Steeplechase de Paris (National Hunt)
Learn more:
France Galop
FNCH
IFCE
Aftercare:ADDP & FNCH
A grassroots organisation, led by Cécile Madamet, that organises training and racing for children aged five to 18. Training days, immersion, sourcing ponies, instruction, racing on the flat, over jumps and trotting with more than 760 entries in 114 different races!
The Soumillon International Pony Academy, founded by champion jockey Christophe Soumillon in 2023, is aiming to promote the discipline and improve young riders’ skills in gallop racing. In the years to come, the academy will be built in Deauville.
The Fédération Nationale des Courses Hippiques is launching an interesting operation aimed at schools. The goal is clear: to attract the interest of educational teams with a school pack at one of the 231 racecourses near their home.
This race series, targeting members of the Fédération Française d’Équitation (FFE), required collaboration between the gentlemen-riders’ club and the FFE. The race series is modelled on the one used for pony racing. Before each race, participants are offered beginner courses, usually at training tracks. The aim will be for trainees to learn the basics of race riding and safety rules, while meeting professionals from the racing industry.
Treat your children to a day out and take advantage of a host of fun, outdoor activities at our Family Race Day events! Dive into the world of racing with our completely free entertainment for children – an original day out in a secure space. Free entry and entertainment for under 12s.
The Fédération Nationale des Courses Hippiques (FNCH) is launching a very interesting operation aimed at schools. The goal is clear: to attract the interest of educational teams with a school pack at one of the 231 racecourses near their home.
A series of races for university students and graduates. Participants are taught through the AFASEC racing school and gain practical experience with a trainer before competing at major racecourses.
Much more than a club, this organisation introduces horse lovers to the world of competition in racing and creates a lifelong network for industry participants, based on the values of respect and camaraderie.
Carré des Aigles is an NGO based in Chantilly that aims to open the racing industry’s doors for outsiders from many various industries. It helps to discover the different stages of our industry from breeding to racing.
This race series, targeting members of the Fédération Française d’Équitation, required collaboration between the gentlemen-riders’ club and the FFE. The race series is modelled on the one used for pony racing. Before each race, participants are offered beginner courses, usually at training tracks. The aim will be for trainees to learn the basics of race riding and safety rules, while meeting professionals from the racing industry.
An annual showcase organised by the Thoroughbred Breeders Federation (Fédération des Éleveurs du Galop) which sees stallion farms across the country open their doors to breeders, racing professionals and fans for two days in January.
Three racehorse training centres worked with their local communities to put in place pre-school childcare that meets the unique demands of the industry.
Organised by French racing’s aftercare charity Au Delà Des Pistes with France Galop, this initiative showcases the potential of retired thoroughbreds, bringing the equestrian and thoroughbred communities together and offering the opportunity to meet and get close to past champions through behind-the-scenes visits.
The official French racing school provides residential training for young people aged from 14 to adults. It operates alongside the national curriculum to train up future jockeys, grooms and racing staff. Four academies are involved: Gouvieux / Calas / Mont-de-Marsan / Graignes.
Secondary-level agricultural colleges provide training for work in the agricultural sector, including the thoroughbred industry. There are many options depending on the level, type of studies and location:
Equiressources, supported by AFASEC Consulting, provides a one-stop recruitment platform for jobs and placements within the racing, breeding and equestrian industries and is also a vital source of information for developing future employment practices.
These awards recognise and reward the hard work and dedication of stud and stable staff, acknowledging the huge contribution they make to the French racing industry.
If you work in the racing industry (thoroughbred or trotter), the AFASEC teams offer support through assistance schemes.
