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.