The Hippodrome du Pays d'Argentan, in the Orne, is located to the east of the city, its influence extending largely over the town of Gouffern en Auge.
The site hosted its first race in 1894, in this case a derby of 4000 m mounted trotting, one year after the creation of the Argentan race company. From then on, for several decades, two annual meetings were organized on the hippodrome, on Pentecost Sunday and Monday.
In 1968, following the merger of the Argentan, Courtomer, Ecouché, Falaise, Le Merlerault, Nonant-le-Pin, Trun and Vimoutiers companies, a new racecourse was built to accommodate gallopers and trotters in all seasons..
Since then, the Hippodrome du Pays d'Argentan has been recognized as a stronghold of equestrian sport in Normandy, where many breeding farms and training centers have been established.
It has fast tracks appreciated by specialists. A trotting track of 1325 m in sand, with rope on the right and straight line of 350 m, a flat track (gallop) of 1600 m in grass, with rope on the right and straight line of 400 m, secure obstacles that can also allow the organization of hurdle races and steeple chases of more than 3 and 4,000 m.
Equipped with 105 boxes and 68 stalls, heated stands (800 seats) and restaurants, the infrastructure schedules 22 meetings each year, half of which are broadcast on television, a large number giving rise to PMU bets.
The public can also attend training sessions, in season, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
Apart from the races, the racecourse can finally host receptions (professional or family) and associative or cultural events.
Entrance fee on race days: 4 euros. Guided tours possible by reservation in the morning before the start of the races.
Information on +33 2 33 67 68 02.
