Damian Elwes on the Hippodrome at Cagnes-sur-Mer

In France as in England horse racing was in its origins “the sport of kings”. Just over 400 years ago James I laid down a grass track at Newmarket; in the following century Louis XIV encouraged the sport on this side of the Channel — though not quite in any of its modern forms. Some cross-country races were over routes as long as 60 kilometres! England’s Jockey Club was founded in 1751, its French equivalent in 1833. Both organisations had the support of royalty and aristocracy.

Our local racecourse at Cagnes-sur-Mer — l’hippodrome de la Côte d’Azur — doesn’t have such a venerable past. It was opened only in 1952 and now ranks as France’s second course in terms of number of meetings. Its fiftieth anniversary was marked by a major revamp of buildings, stands and courses. Most summer races are run in the evening but even at that time of day in August it can still be pretty sticky. Personally, I prefer to attend the winter meetings.

We’re soon coming up to the opening of the 2004-05 season, the first half of which kicks off in December. It’s a varied programme with races on the flat, over the sticks and — a bit exotic for Brits like me — “trotting”. That’s with the jockey sitting in a sulky, a light two-wheeled gig-type vehicle, so called by the way, because it carries only one person who is thus able to sulk. The Hippodrome is a great place for a family outing, with various entertainments as add-ons to the racing. But don’t lose your shirt! 

From Reporter 106 - Dec 2004

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