Troubled Times for Avignon’s Racing Season

The future of the Avignon-Le Pontet Hippodrome, and indeed the entire racing season, hangs in the balance due to meaningful damage to the track. What was planned to be a thrilling season of 24H au trot now faces considerable disruption.

Unexpected Wildlife Causes Havoc

The primary cause of the track’s deterioration? A rather unexpected culprit: a large group of wild boars. their presence has led to extensive damage, rendering the track unsuitable for racing, at least for the foreseeable future. This situation has forced organizers to implement contingency plans, relocating upcoming races to alternative venues.

“We inspected the site last Thursday with industry professionals, and the unanimous decision was that racing is not feasible in its current state, at least until the end of May,”

Christian Atanian, President of the Southeast Federation

Atanian further expressed pessimism about the future of races at Avignon, highlighting the severity of the situation.The presence of these animals continues to pose a significant challenge, with no immediate resolution in sight.

Relocation Efforts and Contingency Plans

In response to the crisis, the Regional Trot Committee had already developed a Plan B in January, anticipating potential disruptions. This plan is now being actively implemented. The initial race scheduled for March 16th was moved to Cagnes-sur-Mer.The subsequent three race meetings,originally slated for April 13th,May 4th,and May 29th,have been relocated to the sandy track of Marseille-Borély Hippodrome.

Looking ahead, the plan involves moving two races to Nîmes in June, to be run on grass, and one night race to Cagnes-sur-Mer in July, to be held on the sand track. Organizers will continue to assess the situation and adapt their plans as needed.

“We are following this Plan B. That’s why the next three meetings will take place in Borély on the sand.For the following three, the plan is for two to be run in Nîmes on the grass in June and one at night in Cagnes-sur-Mer on the sand in July. We will assess the situation as it evolves.”

Christian Atanian, President of the Southeast Federation

Adjustments for Marseille-Borély

for the races at Marseille-Borély on April 13th, May 4th, and May 29th, adjustments have been made to accommodate the track’s specifications. The number of starters will be limited, and the program remains largely unchanged, with modifications to the race distances: 2,400 meters instead of 2,025 meters, and 3,000 meters instead of 2,650 meters.

The Broader Context of Hippodrome Challenges

The challenges faced by avignon-Le Pontet Hippodrome are not unique. Many racing venues grapple with issues ranging from aging infrastructure to environmental concerns. For example,in the United States,several historic racetracks have faced closure due to financial difficulties and declining attendance. According to a 2024 report by the National Horse Racing Museum, maintaining the economic viability of smaller hippodromes requires innovative strategies, including diversifying revenue streams and engaging with local communities.