Chantilly Racecourse

Chantilly Racecourse is the oldest thoroughbred racing venues in France, and also one of the most important thoroughbred training centres in continental Europe. Located 50km north of Paris, near the town of Chantilly, this historic racecourse is surrounded by the ancient beeches of Chantilly forest, and is celebrated for its scenic splendour.

The Chantilly Racecourse hosts the first two French Classics of the year, the French equivalent of the Derby, the Prix du Jockey Club, and the fillies’ only race, the Prix de Diane. Many consider the racecourse to be chronically under-utilised as it hosts only a handful of thoroughbred race meetings every year.

Chantilly Racecourse Layout

Chantilly Racecourse comprises a 2400 metre oval, bisected by a straight course for gallops. The 1200m straight extends beyond the oval, providing space for sprints and races up to one mile. All races run at Chantilly Racecourse are right-handed.

Chantilly Racecourse Facilities

The facilities at Chantilly are somewhat outdated when compared to those of the United Kingdom and Ireland. However, the emphasis at the racecourse is on preserving the heritage of the site, and giving pride of place to the historic buildings which adjoin the racecourse.

The main grandstand at Chantilly was first erected in 1879, and combines with several modern grandstands to offer seating to 30,000 spectators. The racecourse features a restaurant offering panoramic views of the racetrack and surrounding countryside, and the enormous 186 meter long stable is considered to the most beautiful in the world.

Chantilly Racecourse History

Thoroughbred racing at Chantilly was first introduced by British aristocrats in the early 1800s, when they decided to improve the quality of horseracing in Europe. Many of the ancestors of France’s finest thoroughbreds were imported from England at this time, while French racehorses were also shipped across the channel to improve the quality of British bloodstock.

Many of the historic buildings that look over Chantilly Racecourse predate the first official horserace held at the venue in 1834. These include the ‘Great Stables’, which was constructed by Louis Henri, Duc de Bourbon, Prince of Condé, who believed that he was destined to be reincarnated as a horse in his next life. He thus had the stables specifically designed by one of France’s leading architects to provide himself with suitable accommodation for his next incarnation.