ENGLISH TEXTS
perity for the town, which led to the implementation of taxes. For many years, the Boulogne-sur-Mer races stood out as a popular and high-society event. Relocated several times, the racecourse hosted flat, jump, and even harness races. Steeplechase races ended in 1902, and in 1908 the racecourse settled in the Inquéterie area, where it enjoyed great success. However, it could not survive the global economic crisis of the 1930s and closed permanently in 1939. By the 1970s, the site had been replaced with an industrial and commercial zone.
STAGE 3 And further south, Le Touquet Just a few kilometers south of Boulogne-sur-Mer lies the Le Touquet Racecourse, built in 1925 by Paul Furiet and Georges Henri Pingusson, one of the first projects by these Parisian architects. The racecourse was constructed on reclaimed land in the bed of the Canche River and is protected by a 3-kilometer-long dyke, offering a scenic view of the bay. Supported by the city, the casino, and the grand hotels, the racecourse hosted up to 15 race meetings in 1928, including international events and gentlemen’ s races featuring prominent personalities, such as Prince Ali Khan in 1955. In the late 1970s, the racecourse underwent a series of renovations and was pur-
chased by the municipality of Le Touquet from the“ Grands Établissements.”
� PAGE 44
BACK TO THE ARTICLE �
By Céline Gualde
NORTHWESTERN REGION
STAGE 4 Corlay Racecourse Celebrates Racing on July 14 Corlay, in the Côtes-d’ Armor region, was the birthplace of the horse bearing its name. Once a mainstay of the French army, the Corlay horse contributed its bloodlines and strength to many distinguished French AQPS( non-thoroughbred) families. The Petit-Paris Racecourse, opened in 1825, is one of the most picturesque and popular tracks in western France. It has preserved the charm of its early days. Its steeplechase course, notably, ventures beyond the racecourse itself, weaving through cultivated fields— a rare and surprising feature today! On July 14, Corlay will host the final of the Centre-Brittany Obstacle Challenge, sponsored by Haras de la Haie Neuve. The challenge includes four stages: Loudéac, Carhaix, Rostrenen, and the ultimate race at the Petit-Paris Racecourse. A great opportunity to soak in the ambiance of“ Breton-style” racing: music, galettes-saucisses( pancakes with sausage), good cheer, and thrilling sport! Daniel Leboucher, president of the Corlay racing society, is also the author of a beautiful book showcasing this equestrian and cultural heritage of Brittany: La passion du cheval en pays de Corlay(€ 15, Éditions des Montagnes Noires).
SAINT-BRIEUC RACING SOCIETY
The Saint-Brieuc racing society, which runs the Baie Racecourse in the town of Yffiniac( Côtes-d’ Armor), is the oldest racing society in France, founded in 1805. Saint-Brieuc hosts all three racing disciplines— but not in summer! The racecourse will reopen its gates on October 5.
STAGE 5 Ploërmel and the Magic of Brocéliande Brocéliande— the legendary forest said to be home to Merlin the Enchanter— is also home to some excellent jump horses! Three racecourses in the Morbihan have joined forces under the“ Hippodromes de Brocéliande” banner to pool resources and ideas. These are the racecourses of Josselin, Mauron, and Ploërmel. The Ploërmel track was inaugurated in 1905, set within the grounds of Château de Malleville. It features a beautiful right-handed turf track. While it hosts all three disciplines, the course is es-
# 10 134