Horseracing

Add to favorites

The sandy soils are particularly well-suited to horse-riding and the equine activity at Chantilly has made our area famous for its racehorses.

In 1834, fine horseman, the Duke of Aumale, the last successor of the princes, started horse racing in Chantilly. Thanks to its soil, which is loose on the surface, more compact at shallow depths and always well drained, this estate has since been recognised as an ideal terrain for training galloping horses. Around Chantilly, 120 kilometres of sand tracks, including the most famous one, the Lions (four kilometres in a straight line), are dedicated to them every morning. When riding in this area in the morning, you must be careful not to frighten these racehorses during training.

2,000 people now live from this activity, around 2,200 horses.

Chantilly Racecourse

Owned by the Institut de France, the racecourse is specialised since its creation in gallop racing. Every year it hosts nearly 200 races – about 40 racing days per year. A race takes place in 45 minutes: Weighing of the jockeys, presentation of the horses at the round, positioning at the start, race and new presentation of the horses and prize-giving ceremony.

Polo club du Domaine de Chantilly

La ferme d’Apremont

You enter this farm, built at the beginning of the 19th century, through the majestic Porte d’Apremont, one of the former solemn entrances to the “Grand Parc” of the Château de Chantilly. The various buildings, dwellings, barns, stables, surround a vast triangular courtyard. Formerly devoted to agriculture (wheat, barley, potatoes, peas), it is now devoted to polo, which is a ball game played on horseback. This challenging sport flourished here from the beginning of the 20th century. Today it is the largest centre in continental Europe (11 fields).

Add to favorites