Folkestone Day at Pompadour 2009
Folkestone Racecourse celebrated its 3rd Twinning anniversary with Pompadour Racecourse over the Bastille weekend of 12 - 14th July with an action packed race day at the rural track set in the grounds of Châteaux du Pompadour in the South West of France. Hundreds of racegoers swarmed to the racecourse on Saturday 12th July including a considerable number of Brits who have formed quite a network of ex-patriots in the area helping to put Pompadour Racecourse on the map.
A six race card started at 2:30pm with
an interesting array of contests including Flat racing on a sand
track, steeple chase's and a challenging cross country race run
over a series of different obstacles including Oxers,
Trakena's, banks and water jumps that would challenge the
like's of many a Cheltenham Cross Country hero.
Trainer, Guillame Macaire was the odds on invader and a regular to Pompadour Racecourse, priming specialist beasts for the demanding track and often walking away with the generous prize money. Local trainer Francis Delord, also a huge ambassador and president of Pompadour Horseracing Association had plenty of competitive runners and successfully clinched 'The Prix Gonzague De La Bastide Steeplechase' with Oliver Play ridden by Jeremy Besnardiere.
Bastille Day celebrations highlighted
Folkestone's Association with the course further more with a 2
furlong Donkey Derby represented by staff from Folkestone and
Lingfield Park Racecourses who provided quite a show for the
locals! The race infact is hoped to be re-enacted at Pompadour race
day at Folkestone Racecourse on Monday 30th November when Francis
Delord will try his luck on English turf with several of his
string. Accompanied by owners, members and inquisitive locals of
Pompadour who continue to add to the value and benefits of the
twinning. The day will also feature an Anglo v French amateur
rider's invitation race.
For more information on Pompadour Racecourse and Folkestone's Twinning raceday on the 30th November call Emma Santer on 01303 405800.
