Horse racing meetings on the only natural sand track in France at the foot of the Pompadour castle
The Courses Hippiques de Pompadour are organized annually from late May to early September on the Pompadour racecourse, the only natural sand track in France. Since 1837, this racecourse located at the foot of the Marquise de Pompadour's castle has hosted 11 flat and jump racing meetings, offering a quality equestrian spectacle in an exceptional heritage setting. Classified in the 1st category for jump races and 2nd category A for flat races, the Pompadour racecourse is recognized as one of the most beautiful racecourses in France. Activities for children, catering, and a friendly atmosphere make each meeting a festive and family event in Corrèze.
The Pompadour racecourse is one of the oldest and most prestigious racecourses in France. Created in 1837, it stands out for its exceptional setting at the foot of the Château de Pompadour, former residence of the famous Marquise, and for its unique natural sand track, the only one in France to offer this particularly soft racing surface for horses. Classified in 1st category for jump races and 2nd category A for flat races, the racecourse hosts 11 horse racing meetings each year from late May to early September, attracting owners, trainers, jockeys, and bettors from all over France.
Each year, from late May to early September, the Pompadour racecourse offers 11 flat and jump racing meetings. Some meetings take place in the early evening during the summer, offering a festive and original atmosphere under the evening lights. Flat races showcase the speed and elegance of thoroughbreds on the natural sand track, while jump races (hurdles and steeplechase) test the courage and endurance of horses on technical courses. These meetings are moments of sport, betting, and conviviality, accessible to all audiences.
The Pompadour horse races are not limited to the spectacle of the races themselves. Each meeting offers numerous activities for children: games, inflatable structures, pony rides, horse discovery workshops. Catering areas and snack bars allow you to eat throughout the afternoon in a friendly and family atmosphere. Access to the stands is free, making the Pompadour racecourse a place of leisure and discovery accessible to all, ideal for a family Sunday in Corrèze.
The Pompadour racecourse is an integral part of the Haras national de Pompadour, a site classified as a historic monument and managed by the French Institute for Horse and Equestrianism (IFCE). The estate covers 90 hectares in the heart of the city of the horse in Pompadour, a major tourist destination in Corrèze. Throughout the year, the site hosts equestrian competitions, shows, guided tours, and festive events. The horse races are part of this cultural and tourist dynamic, promoting Corrèze's equestrian heritage and the French art of living.
2026 season of the Courses Hippiques de Pompadour (May 24 - September 6, 2026). 11 flat and jump racing meetings on France's only natural sand track. Children's activities and free entry.
The 2026 season of the Courses Hippiques de Pompadour will take place from May 24 to September 6, 2026 with 11 flat and jump racing meetings spread over weekends and some summer evenings. The Pompadour racecourse, an exceptional heritage site at the foot of the Marquise's castle, will once again offer a quality program on its unique natural sand track in France.
The meetings will alternate between flat races and jump races, offering a varied and high-level spectacle for all audiences. Some early evening meetings will allow attendees to enjoy a festive and convivial atmosphere under the evening lights. The activities for children — games, inflatable structures, pony rides, horse discovery workshops — and the catering areas will make each meeting a moment of leisure and family sharing. Entry remains free, confirming the Pompadour racecourse's commitment to making horse racing accessible to all.
The races take place at the Hippodrome de Pompadour, 19230 Arnac-Pompadour.
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Hippodrome de Pompadour
Hippodrome de Pompadour, 19230 Arnac-Pompadour