Qatar Prix du Jockey Club

One of the oldest events in sport

Since 1836, the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club has crowned the year’s best three-year-old thoroughbred.

The history of the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club first began almost 200 years ago. A group of sportsmen, led by Lord Henry Seymour, a British nobleman and dandy with a passion for equestrianism, were returning to Chantilly Castle by horse when they came across an ideal plain of soft land to realise a dream of theirs and establish a racetrack.

As soon as the grandstands had gone up around the track, one of the next priorities was to set up a race to help select the best horses for siring. And thus it was that the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club was born! The first edition of this famous event was held on 24 April 1836 at Chantilly, making it one of the oldest sporting competitions in the calendar.

The Qatar Prix du Jockey Club led to many more horse races been created in France, but it quickly established itself as a veritable means of selection that is crucial to the strengthening of thoroughbred lines.

From the very early days, the race was won by some of the greatest horses of their generations. It is one of the stand-out events in Group I – the highest level of horse-racing– and since it first began in 1836, it has crowned over 100 stallions who have helped to ensure the sustainability of the breed.

It was originally run over a distance of 12 furlongs before being shortened to ten and a half furlongs in 2005, but is remains a battleground for the toughest competitors!

Choose your horse and you’re off!

Hop on the merry-go-round for a magical ride on our beautiful carrousel horses. A sure-fire hit with young racegoers, this attraction is free of charge and children can ride as many times as they like.

Smiles all round!

Admire the champions from up close!

To make their day at the races even more exciting, children are invited to join the jockeys in the parade ring. A fantastic way to experience the thrill of the spectators’ applause alongside their favourite jockeys. Pure emotion guaranteed!

Who will be the champion of the day?

Get your children running along the hallowed turf in our kids’ running race! An unforgettable, fun-filled experience that will see the fastest runners go home with some great prizes.

So, who will get on the podium?

Like a real jockey!

These new-generation rocking horses take children on a magical ride! A safe introduction to horse riding, to set them on the path to becoming real jockeys.

If your children are eager to try this fun-filled activity, bring them along!

A fun way to learn about racing!

On your marks, get set, go! Jump on an inflatable pony and take part in our PonyHop Race, which enables your children to develop their balance, coordination and stamina. A perfect introduction to life as a jockey!

Get investigating as a family!

Grab a booklet and embark on a treasure hunt that takes you on a tour of the racecourse! With its racing-themed games, this mission requires all of your family’s investigation skills to solve the puzzle.

A 45 to 50-minute adventure for parents and children!

A fun outdoor activity for kids!

With our bouncy castles, your children can jump, run and roll to their hearts’ content! We pull out all the stops to provide your children with plenty of opportunities to play and relax at the racecourse.

Come and let off steam in the great outdoors!

Step into a jockey’s stirrups!

With our hobby horse races, your children can emulate the jockeys themselves! This activity will be a sure-fire hit with our younger racegoers. It is an ideal way to develop their imagination and coordination in a safe way.

A fun-filled race!

Place your children at the heart of the action by entering them in our sack race! Held on the racecourse itself, this sporting activity promises plenty of laughter and fun. Give it a try, either before or after you watch the horses race along the turf.