Prix d'Amerique Marrionaud 2012 - Last weekend I found myself in possession of two free tickets to the Prix d'Amerique (thanks to a very kind student who circulates in the horse-racing world). So Sunday came around and Sarah and I set off to Bois de Vincennes to watch the race. The race is actually a 'trot' where the horses have the rider sat behind them, attached to a small, what I can only describe as a carriage behind....in this case a picture speaks a thousand words.
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| A Jockey |
It is difficult to describe without seeing it as it is something truly unique. The race itself is very famous in France and pits the 18 top high-flyers against each other in a 2,700 metre race. The race was originally created in 1920 to honour the United States entry into the first World War and is now attended by over 40,000 spectators (me being one of them), every year. It's an elite race with a prize of 1 million euros.
The race itself was amazing and a real joy to watch. People were handing out free flags, hats and batons all around the racecourse so we really got into the spirit of things. There were cheerleaders, a marching band and even some Hell's Angels (whose bikes were on display in a marquee next to the course). The skill of the jockeys was just amazing and apparently they have to train for up to 2,500 hours a year to perfect their racing skills. It was just such a unique experience and the first time I had ever managed to go to a real race so I was really pleased. It was really well organised with a free navette (shuttle bus) from the station to the course which helped because the only downside of the day was that it was freezing!! By the end of the day I think I lost all feeling in my hands and feet.
However it was really worth it and I can't wait for next year!
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