Hippodrome de Rouen-Mauquenchy, Horse racing venue in Mauquenchy, France

Hippodrome de Rouen-Mauquenchy is a horse racing venue set in the countryside of the Pays de Bray, with green fields and trees around it. The wide left-turning track has a sandy surface that drains water quickly, keeping races possible even after heavy rain.

The racecourse opened in 2005 at Mauquenchy, replacing the Hippodrome des Bruyères in Rouen. Its 1,300-metre sand track with a left-hand rope was built with careful embankments for drainage, so racing can go ahead in any weather. Jacques Brion was the first president from October 2005 to May 2011; Jean Fournier has held the post since April 2016.

On race days, families gather in the stands while the sound of hooves on the sand fills the air between announcements. The restaurant’s large window lets you follow the races while sharing a meal, a habit many local spectators keep all year round.

Plan to arrive early on race days because the parking area fills up and the best spots near the track go quickly. The venue has step-free access and reserved seating areas for people with mobility needs.

The site covers 315 hectares, of which 76 are taken up by the racecourse itself, and the professional area sits in a hollow sheltered by the Bois Gamet. The track is 1,300 m long with a left-hand rope, 24 m wide on the finishing straight and 16 m in the bends.