horse racing in France

Foreign-trained horses will once again be allowed to run in France from Monday, June 15, France Galop announced on Friday. Racing in France resumed on May 11 behind closed doors after being shut down in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, but was restricted to French-trained horses. France Galop reiterated in its release that the people accompanying runners across borders would be subject to health restrictions but in place by governments.

Christophe Ferland, who is based at La Teste de Buch near Bordeaux in the South-West of France, was one of a clutch of trainers to hit the ground running before the pandemic-enforced halt to proceedings in March. His 17 victories and 33 places from just 74 runners during the prologue is an impressive strike rate and good enough, as things stand, for fifth position in the French trainers' championship. "It was an excellent start to the year; we had 17 winners and 33 horses placed, which is a great [strike]...

French racing authorities will on Tuesday meet with government officials to discuss the next steps in getting racing back under starters orders. Nicolas Clement, president of the French Trainers Association, said chief among the topics of discussion will be finalizing a plan for when racing can resume behind closed doors and potential funding aid for the PMU. After holding all meetings behind closed doors from Mar. 13-and some as early as late February-all racing in France was suspended from Mar. 17 through initially Apr. 15 in response to the coronavirus...

As France continues its lockdown due to the Coronavirus crisis, Chantilly-based trainer Fabrice Chappet was able to give an insight to the situation from the training ranks. He spoke with the TDN's Tom Frary about stable protocols, the probability of racing resume on schedule and some of the horses he is looking forward to in his yard when it does. TF: What has been the affect of the lockdown on your day-to-day working situation? FC: At this stage we have been blessed to be allowed to continue exercising our horses...