Update or perish: Racecourse French challenge

From Pauline FROISSART | AFP -

How to convince a newcomer to the race track instead of spending a night at the theater or a concert? This is a challenge for many, and now a little dated, French racecourses.

Friday night in Vincennes. Although accustomed along a track Stomp, your ticket PMU are hand other customers experience the thrill of horse betting.

These lovers as friends, family or partner who will come "Happy Hour" with a glass of sparkling wine spoil, visit the stables and see for explaining trade complexity that often obscure to the uninitiated.

Special attention because of superstition, Friday the 13th a lucky day this temple is only half on the outskirts of Paris trot that., The situation at the national level

"There is an erosion of visits to the aging population, increasing urbanization, have a great holiday," he admits, Alain Le Menaheze, the National Federation of French races (FNCF). "Racetrack may be somewhat archaic, which adds its charm."

245 racetracks, specializing in trot, flat or obstacle, France holds the world record for the number of racetracks. Sixty organize races. But even the most prestigious because Longchamp (gallop) or Auteuil (obstacle), it is difficult to attract people, and is in the context of trade every day and live in the PMU Equidia or many points.

Made Paris race tracks "for less than 2% of the horse paris," said Philippe Germond _, Managing Director of PMU.

- Competition for the holidays -

Paradoxically, many of the tracks, is not only open for a few days, those who suffer the most.

From volunteer operated, the operating costs are lower. "Really anchored" their territory ", including places to go," said Mr. Le Menaheze. "So if you are in a big city, there is no competition for the time ..."

"The people know this, but it is not necessary to come to" recognize visited Chris Bernard, Lyon Communications Officer racetracks around 40,000 people. "Our goal is to make at least once a year or loyalty."

But the newbie, how to attract the man of the Church? "We have made it easier to read, to make it more understandable to the public," deputy director Jean-Christophe Giletta de France Galop said.

Coaching is for trainees, entertainment for children, but the price of food trucks: racetracks began his movement.

Chantilly, the prestigious Prix de Diane, rubbed fancy hats Women's hats curious, came to the race, but the concert Julien Doré. Newcomers can bet and receive free, winning the event with small gifts. "This is the first time, I bet they will Snitch!" Nicole was amused, 50 years old.

Output circuit "to do at least once", Sayan, 20, who said the discovered in Vincennes Trot. "These changes!"

Increasingly, the racetrack event for Mother's Day, Halloween, or school year is organized. The goal: to attract families, "because the update come from there," Le Menaheze said.

France Galop reflects, "Championships of creation, from late April to late October, the. Combine the best races, This is our Ligue 1 for us," Mr. Giletta dream.

On the track, definitely there are some hurdles to overcome, summarized as follows: Christelle Bernard: "If nothing is done, there is no one on the line."