ENGLISH TEXTS
fiction. The premise of Sous le regard des élégantes, published by Gallimard in 1998?“ I was young and rich, a Gold Whip winner and a star jockey in jump racing. A dream life. Then one morning I saw him: a big horse named‘ Hard to Beat.’ In an instant, I understood two things: first, that this horse would be the greatest champion of all time; second, that trouble was about to start. Between the racetracks of Auteuil, Aintree, and Cheltenham, things were worse than in Vietnam: nine horses dead and no fewer than thirty-three human corpses.” The charming racetrack of Hyères-les-Palmiers, in the Var region, was recently chosen by author Olivier Aubert as the setting for the brutal murder of a driver, killed in a stable on race day. The novel, published in May, is titled Le coup du sabot( The Hoof Strike) and is available at the racetrack or via order on Olivier Aubert’ s website.
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By Cécile Adonias
TWO GEMS IN THE HEART OF THE ALPS!
Thrills and elegance come together every year in Saint Moritz. Entirely dressed in white and nestled in the heart of the Engadine Valley, the
Saint Moritz racecourse is unlike any other. Since 1907, the White Turf Club has hosted races each year on the town’ s frozen lake. Over 30,000 people gather at this racecourse perched 1,770 meters above sea level, set on 50 centimeters of ice, every February to witness the spectacle. Its picturesque setting makes it a must-visit spot for horse enthusiasts and tourists alike. Three disciplines are featured: flat racing, trotting, and skijoring— a local specialty. To avoid slipping, horses wear studded shoes. Jockeys are equally well-prepared for the cold and snow, often wearing ski goggles and masks. Races take place over three Sundays in February, and each meeting includes all three disciplines. Around 200 volunteers are involved to ensure the smooth running of the event. Distances range from 1,300 to 2,700 meters. The Evangelos Pistiolis Foundation- Grosser Preis Grand von S t Moritz is the highlight race of the event. Run over 2,000 meters, it’ s also the most valuable race in Switzerland, awarding 100,000 CHF— just over € 50,000— to the winner. In 2025, a Frenchbred horse etched his name on the trophy. Saadi, bred by Haras de Victot, owned by Anton Krauliger, trained by Andreas Schärer, and ridden by Clément Lheureux, took the prize. He had been claimed by his current owner in a race at ParisLongchamp for over € 35,000.
The skijoring challenge unfolds across three stages. The competitor who scores the most points earns a trophy sponsored by UBS and is crowned King of the Engadine— a proud showcase of alpine tradition. Two trotting races are held during each meeting. A unique twist: the sulky wheels are replaced with skis. In parallel, White Turf organizes Family Days on two Saturdays. Pony races are held in all three disciplines, alongside a wide range of entertainment: concerts, activities, horse-related experiences, and more.
Famous for its stunning jump course, Merano is often compared to Auteuil. The Merano racecourse, located in South Tyrol, Italy, in the heart of the Dolomites, is another alpine jewel for horse racing fans and lovers of spectacular landscapes. Surrounded by mountains, this racecourse has a unique atmosphere, blending tradition with elegance. The racing season runs from April to October each year. Founded in 1935, the Merano racecourse, better known as“ Maia”, quickly became one of Italy’ s top racing venues. It was designed by renowned 20 th-century architect Paolo Vietti-Violi, who also built racecourses in San Siro, Rome, Casablanca, Buenos Aires, and Lyon-Parilly. Merano is especially famous for its magnificent steeplechase course, considered one of the most beautiful and chal-
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