Racing at Maisons-Laffitte will cease after its 24 fixtures in 2019, with France Galop revealing plans on Wednesday to focus on and restructure the town's training centre.
The decision is part of a transformation plan drawn up by France Galop in an effort to turn around a €119-million deficit recorded between 2014 and 2017. The organization recognizes the challenges presented by falling wagering on racing; since 2011, the amount gambled on racing has dropped €1.9-billion, and betting revenue accounts for 90% of French racing's financial resources.
France Galop plans to rescale and modernise the Maisons-Laffitte Training Centre with a €1.5-million investment. The training centre is designed to house 1500 horses, but is currently home to fewer than 500. France Galop said in a statement that an increase in the number of horses up to its capacity would lead to a reduction in operating costs.
The closing of the racecourse will lead to the loss of 31 jobs, and France Galop said the closure would be implemented through an Employment Protection Plan and that measures to support affected employees will be discussed with social partners.
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