EN SAVOIR PLUS
Racing’s inner workings
Before and after the races
Horses arrive at the racecourse in their trainer’s horse box, or, in the case of certain Parisian racetracks, via a special “common transport” system. Through force of circumstance, two categories of horse escape this type of travel: those accommodated on site during race meetings (Deauville, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Pau) and those whose trainers are based all year round at the racecourse where the day’s races are taking place.
When the animal arrives at the racecourse he is showered and led around by his lad in order to calm down. This is necessary because many horses become stressed with a change in environment. The horse is then put into an individual stable for an afternoon where he will continue to recuperate away from the light. A little over an hour before the race the horse exits the box and is walked around the pre-parade ring before joining the trainer and jockey. The jockey mounts up and runner and rider are led into the paddock to be presented to the racing public. After a few times around the paddock the horse warms up by cantering down to the starting line.
After the race, the first seven runners return to the weighing room where the jockeys are again weighed. Once the course vet has verified the identity of each horse, the animals are showered again before being led on a walk as a means of winding down. Finally they return to their stables to wait for the return of the van to take them “home”.