With more than 12,000 spectators, the Pau Grand Prix enjoys a successful 138th edition

It must be said that the event has continued to attract new audiences in recent years. This Sunday again, many families opted for an outing to the racecourse, as evidenced by the numerous strollers wandering around the grounds. “We did not have a public of punters which is also tending to decrease. This renewal is rather a good sign,” confirm Tiziana and Valentin, responsible for PMU activities at the racecourse.

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Good weather and free

“I let myself be taken along by friends, I completely discovered this universe,” confides Pierre, a craftsman who didn’t bet. Mathieu gave up skiing to walk around the racecourse for the first time. “I don’t know anything about it, but it’s nice,” he agrees. Pierre-Henri, a resident of the neighborhood, came as a neighbor. Familiar with the place, he just comes to walk around and meet people.

The good weather and the free show partly explain this attractiveness. “Of course the races are at the center, but the racecourse is a real place of life where you can eat, have fun…” assures Jean Brouqueyre, the equipment director. “For a reasonable budget, less than a trip to the cinema, people can have access to family activities and enjoy shopping,” adds Valentin from PMU. The racecourse had in fact put in place numerous activities, some in partnership with the city’s professional sports clubs which sponsored five races.

A mascot race

Face painting stands, pony rides, inflatable structures… for children. Signings from players from Pau FC, Elan and Section…, capoeira or cheer-leading demonstrations for older children. Without forgetting the unusual race of the sports club mascots – won by Foxy (Paloise Pelote Section) – which relaxed the atmosphere before the climax of the program.

The public was not mistaken and gathered in the grandstand to watch the prestigious obstacle course in which the favorites In Love, Youtwo Glass, Gold Tweet competed. The riders and their mounts are applauded as they pass in front of the stands before joining the start. Tension rises before the horses are released, especially since there is much at stake. The Pau racecourse recorded more than €15,000 in bets on this race alone, and more than €800,000 at the PMU. In total, €87,654 will have been bet in Pau on the 11 races of the day, and €5,431,720 at the PMU level.

A frank head

Spectators follow the evolution of the equines on the big screen before they approach. In the final straight, the noise precedes the emergence of the horses. Long in the lead, Youtwo Glass was finally taken over by a trio of outsiders Gage of success, Jumping Charlie and Le Listrac. At the end of the race which kept them in suspense for a few minutes, some let their joy burst forth, others, in disappointment, threw away their betting slips.

Still, the results of the day turned out to be largely positive. “More than 10,000 people is a great satisfaction, these are crowds worthy of a rugby match. We have reached a milestone,” relishes director Jean Brouqueyre, welcoming this collaboration with the city’s sports clubs which has allowed “communion” with the public.

The event also had the privilege of receiving a visit from the Prime Minister and Mayor of Pau, François Bayrou. Under good escort, the chosen one attended race no. 8, called “Calixte Bayrou”, named after his father (and his son). The mayor, who reaffirmed his passion for horses, presented the prizes to the winning jockeys.

The American Legend Race trophy presented Tuesday

The Prix d’Amérique Legend Race trophy will be presented at the Pau racecourse on Tuesday January 21 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The opportunity for the Pau public to admire up close this symbol of excellence of the world Sulky championship, usually reserved for the winners of the biggest trotting race in the world.