Courses Hippiques de Craon
Prestigious horse races at the La Touche racecourse since 1848
About Courses Hippiques de Craon
Courses Hippiques de Craon: Over 175 Years of Equestrian Tradition
The history of the Courses Hippiques de Craon dates back to September 10, 1848, when a few enthusiasts gathered on the La Touche meadow during an agricultural fair to organize the first horse races. Since this founding date, the Craon racecourse has continuously developed to become one of the most prestigious equestrian sites in the Grand Ouest.
An Exceptional Racecourse
The La Touche racecourse covers 65 to 71 hectares, offering top-class facilities:
- 20,000 seats in the grandstands to welcome the public
- 129 boxes and 42 stalls to house the horses
- 20,000 parking spaces for vehicles
- On-site accommodation for stable staff
The site hosts races in the three equestrian disciplines: trotting, flat racing, and jump racing (hurdles and steeplechase), making it one of the few versatile racecourses of this scale in France.
Nine Race Meetings Per Year
From June to December, the Craon racecourse offers nine race days bringing together the best jockeys, drivers, and trainers in French horse racing. The program includes regional and national category races, attracting the most renowned professionals.
Les Trois Glorieuses: The Highlight of the Season
The highlight of the Craon racing season is the Meeting des Trois Glorieuses, a three-day event in September that is the racecourse's most prestigious gathering. During this meeting, the grandstands are full, and the atmosphere is electric, with high-level races and a Village du Trophée Vert offering entertainment, food, and VIP areas.
A Site Focused on the Future
The Association des Courses de Craon-Mayenne manages and develops the racecourse with a commitment to modernizing facilities while preserving the site's authenticity. The racecourse welcomes approximately 70,000 spectators per season, making the Craon races a major event in southern Mayenne, located between Angers and Rennes, 30 km south of Laval.
Beyond the Races: A Place to Live
The La Touche racecourse is not just active on race days. The site also hosts festive, cultural, and sporting events throughout the year, contributing to the dynamism of the Craon area. Race days are an opportunity to discover the world of horse racing in a popular and family-friendly atmosphere.
Courses Hippiques de Craon — edition 2026
The 2026 Craon Horse Races season runs from June 4 to December 5, 2026, at the La Touche racecourse, with nine days of trotting, flat, and jump races scheduled. A highlight of the season: the Trois Glorieuses, from September 5 to 7, 2026, three days of high-level races that have established Craon's national reputation since 1848.
A six-month horse racing season
As every year, the Association des Courses de Craon-Mayenne runs its season over six months, from June to December, with nine meetings at the La Touche racecourse. Three disciplines share the spotlight: trotting, flat, and jump racing, in the tradition of a nationally recognized racecourse.
2026 Edition Schedule
- Thursday, June 4, 2026 – Flat and jump meeting, first event of the season at 12:30 PM.
- Sunday, June 21 and Monday, June 22, 2026 – June meetings (R10 and R8), with trotting races at 2:00 PM.
- Saturday, September 5, Sunday, September 6, and Monday, September 7, 2026 – Les Trois Glorieuses: three days of high-level races that attract tens of thousands of visitors each year. Gallop on Saturday, mixed on Sunday, gallop with Trophée Vert on Monday.
- Sunday, September 27, 2026 – Autumn Festival, mixed day.
- Saturday, December 5, 2026 – Season closing day (free admission in December).
A tradition of over 175 years
Founded in 1848, the Craon Races are among the oldest equestrian events in Western France. The La Touche racecourse welcomes over 70,000 spectators each year, with a complete infrastructure (stands, catering, VIP areas, parking) and numerous activities alongside the races, notably the Trophée Vert Village during the Trois Glorieuses.
Programme Courses Hippiques de Craon 2026
Thursday, June 4, 2026
Opening meeting — flat and jump races. First start at 12:30 PM.
Sunday, June 21 and Monday, June 22, 2026
- Sunday, June 21 — R10 trotting meeting, first start at 2:00 PM.
- Monday, June 22 — R8 trotting meeting, first start at 2:00 PM.
Les Trois Glorieuses — Saturday, September 5, Sunday, September 6, and Monday, September 7, 2026
- Saturday, September 5 — Evening meeting, gallop.
- Sunday, September 6 — Afternoon meeting, mixed races (trot, flat, jump).
- Monday, September 7 — Afternoon meeting (12:00 PM — 6:30 PM), gallop, Trophée Vert final and activities at the Trophée Vert Village.
Sunday, September 27, 2026
Autumn Festival — mixed meeting at the La Touche racecourse.
Saturday, December 5, 2026
Season closing meeting. Free admission in December.
Detailed race-by-race program published closer to the dates on the official website www.courses-craon.com and on professional platforms (LeTrot, Equidia, France Galop).
Highlights Courses Hippiques de Craon 2026
- Nine days of races over six months (June to December 2026).
- Les Trois Glorieuses from September 5 to 7, 2026, three high-level days.
- Three disciplines represented: trotting, flat, and jump racing.
- Historic racecourse founded in 1848, over 175 years of equestrian tradition.
- Trophée Vert Village during Les Trois Glorieuses (activities, catering).
- Free admission for the December meeting.
Prices Courses Hippiques de Craon 2026
Practical information — Courses Hippiques de Craon
Access
Location: Hippodrome de La Touche, 53400 Craon, Mayenne.
By car: Craon is located 30 km south of Laval and 50 km northwest of Angers. The racecourse has 20,000 free parking spaces.
Prices
- Adult: €6 (program included)
- 18-25 years old: €3
- Under 18: free
- Groups (minimum 15 people): €4 per person
Season
Races take place from June to December, with nine scheduled meetings. Consult the detailed calendar on the official website.
Catering
Catering and refreshment stands are available at the racecourse on race days.
Contact
Association des Courses de Craon-Mayenne
Hippodrome de La Touche, 53400 Craon
Tel: 02 43 06 34 58
Website: www.courses-craon.com
Facebook: Courses de Craon-Mayenne
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Where does it take place — Courses Hippiques de Craon
Hippodrome de La Touche
Hippodrome de La Touche, 53400 Craon