France Events and Festivals

5/01/2009 - 5/31/2009Great Paris Steeplechase

Held at one of the city's toughest race courses, the Great Paris Steeplechase at the Auteuil Hippodrome is the only Parisian course devoted solely to the demanding discipline of jump racing. In the beautiful setting of the verdant 33-hectare (82-acre) course lurk 33 obstacles such as 'Double-Barrier', 'Stone Wall' and a 26ft (8m) jump across water at "Riviere des Tribunes" - obstacles renowned for their unforgiving size and difficulty. It is one of the most prestigious jump races in France and it is also one of the best rewarded with prize money of hundreds of thousands of euros, nearly half of which goes to the winner, with the remainder divided between the first six horses past the post. In addition to the prestige and the prize money, an objet d'art is awarded to the owner of the winning horse. This is one of the best-attended events on France's racing calendar and is a great opportunity to don your fineries, quaff champagne and join in the fun.