ENGLISH TEXTS
founded in 1966. In support of“ children who are not like the others,” as Lino used to say, touched by his daughter Linda’ s illness. Platini, Delon, Serrault, Brasseur, Sardou, Aznavour … From 1987 to 2007, all the stars of show business made it a tradition to gather once a year for the Perce-Neige gala day. The high point of this star-studded event: 12,000 spectators came out for Johnny’ s appearance in 2004. That day, the crowd packed in behind barriers to witness the arrival of the“ idol of youth,” flown in by helicopter, piloted by his friend Michel Drucker.“ Record shattered,” recalled Mathias Moncorgé, son of“ Le Pacha” and then-president of the racing society. That day, € 110,000 were wagered, part of which was donated to Perce-Neige.“ Buttercup yellow, lilac cap.” This is how Jean Gabin described the colors of his racing stable, home to about fifteen thoroughbreds at“ La Pichonnière.” A property where, at the dawn of his 50 th birthday, he fulfilled his“ childhood dream” in 1952: to become a farmer. Beyond the“ Moncorgerie,” he raised nearly 300 cattle and even had built nearby“ a racecourse with a grandstand and natural embankments, offering a beautiful view over the Perche,” recalls the local town hall. In 1989, the racecourse served as the setting for
a scene in the film Les Ripoux. A racing man himself, Mathias Moncorgé is the heir to this legacy. Four years ago, he considered transferring ownership of the grounds to the Department of Orne, but according to Serge Huot, current president of the Perche racing society, the idea appears to be“ at a standstill.” Meanwhile, the three to four race meetings held annually continue to draw between 2,000 and 3,000 spectators on average. In addition to a Lino Ventura Prize, the races are named after Jean Gabin films. And just steps away, the Maison Perce-Neige continues the legacy of this iconic duo.
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By Serge Okey
KEEPING RACE- COURSES ALIVE ALL YEAR ROUND
In challenging times like these, opening racecourses to activities beyond racing has become a necessity.“ There are two key reasons for this,” explains Pierre Préaud, Secretary General of the French National Federation of Horse Racing( FNCH).“ Given their land footprint— ranging from 20 to over 50 hectares in major cities— it’ s a societal imperative. These venues can’ t be reserved for a handful of‘ privileged’ people when they’ re only used 30 to 50 days a year. And then, the economic context requires us to generate additional revenue: through entertainment on race days, or by renting out the site for seminars and conferences on other days.”
The two racecourses in Lyon are a great example.“ Events unrelated to racing are held there every week, generating significant revenue for the operating budget.” Other examples include Maure-de-Bretagne, which has developed a successful commercial activity, and Nancy, where the racecourse’ s restaurant runs like a daily brasserie. Or take Toulouse, La Teste, Bordeaux, and Marseille-Vivaux, where the range of activities is growing— and not just social ones: private sulky races here, weddings there...“ Overall, racecourses are increasingly diversifying. Corporate events are on the rise,” says Préaud, though he acknowledges that smaller tracks often lack the means.“ They’ re opening up to community groups— pétanque clubs, veterans’ associations …”
The Trot( trotting authority) shares the same philosophy.“ Racecourses must be open, inclusive venues. That’ s a real goal,” emphasizes Jad Zoghbi, the events coordinator for Le Trot / SETF. Whether it’ s festivals, con-
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