Although numerous and regular in France, horse racing is sometimes threatened. Particularly by animal protection associations. This is why the National Horse Racing Federation wants all racecourses to obtain the EquuRES label. It was developed especially for equine structures of all types.
This label is the first quality approach in favor of animal welfare and the environment. To obtain it, racecourses must comply with around a hundred criteria. It evaluates the structures on 10 themes: well-being, transport, water, energy, catering, etc. For an entire day, every corner of the racecourse is inspected by an auditor. Those who have not received the label will see their subsidies reduced.
Changing the public’s outlook
In Lot-et-Garonne, six are now labeled: Agen, Castillonnès, Miramont-de-Guyenne, Monflanquin, Villeréal and therefore Villeneuve-sur-Lot, since April 17.
For Alice Cassany, president of the Villeneuvoise horse racing society for more than a year, obtaining this label was not a Source of concern. “We had already put a lot of things in place to meet the criteria, but we simply did not communicate about it,” explains the thirty-year-old. With the help of her volunteers, she had installed bird nesting boxes, insect shelters… All these details which make the racecourse an eco-responsible place. The restaurant also had to pass the test, since the dishes served must contain local products.
“For the animal welfare part, it was mainly the sizes of the boxes, the litter boxes, the water points and the track that were inspected,” she adds.
With obtaining this label, the young woman would like to change the way the general public views horse racing, while the season in Villeneuve (1) will begin this Saturday, June 8.
(1) More information on the Facebook page: “Hippodrome de Villeneuve-sur-Lot” or on 06 38 84 54 37.
A first semi-night race
Big news at the start of the season: the races take place on a Saturday, semi-night. They will begin at 4 p.m. and continue until 8:30 p.m. At the end, the evening will continue in the large tree-lined park of the racecourse, where a Brigadiers concert will be given. To learn how to take bets, a PMU professional will accompany newbies. Children will be able to enjoy the inflatable structures, pony rides and a face painting stand for free. The trackside restaurant will open its doors from 7 p.m. The full menu is 28 euros per person, entry to the racecourse and racing program included. Reservations recommended at 06 38 84 54 37. The sandwich shop, refreshment bar and food trucks allow you to picnic in the large wooded park. There will also be an ice cream vendor. The entrance fee to the racecourse is set at 6 euros per adult (free for under 18s).
