Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The racetrack of Vincennes, inaugurated in March 1863 in the Bois de Vincennes in Paris, was originally dedicated to obstacle races. It was partially destroyed during the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871) and suffered a decline in competition from the Auteuil racetrack. In 1879, he was reborn under the impetus of the Société d'encouragement pour l'amélioration du cheval français, becoming the first field of Parisian racing for trotters, combining trot and gallop.

In 1906, the first winter meeting was created to develop trot races, with rapid growth: 10 days in 1905, 38 in 1910, and 68 in 1925. The America Prize, a flagship event, was launched in 1920. The obstacle races disappeared in 1934, leaving room exclusively for the trot. In 1952, René Ballière introduced night races, a major innovation. Between 1976 and 1983, architect Philippe Monnin modernized the stands and stables, adding restaurants and infrastructure for 35,000 spectators (or even 80,000 according to some sources).

The racetrack extends over 42 hectares, with two tracks: a main one of 1,975 m (cendre, with elevation) and a secondary one of 1,325 m for the night. It hosts prestigious events such as the Grand Prix de France and the Grand Prix d'Amérique, as well as exceptional events such as the military magazine of 14 July 1920 chaired by Marshal Pétain, or the Paris Air Folies air meeting in 1988, with demonstrations of Concorde and balloons.

In the cinema, the hippodrome appeared in cult films such as Les Ripoux (1984) with Philippe Noiret, Le Cave rebuffs (1961) with Jean Gabin, or Peau de Banana (1963) with Jean-Paul Belmondo. These apparitions reflect its roots in Parisian popular culture. The speed records are broken regularly, such as Face Time Bourbon (1'09"1 at the trot coupled in 2021) or Granvilillaise Bleue (1'09"9 at the trot mounted in 2022).

Today, Vincennes is nicknamed the " temple of trot" in France, thanks to its famous track, its 150 boxes, and its 153 annual meetings (1 255 races). Its heritage combines sport, entertainment and architectural heritage, marking the equestrian and cultural history of Paris.

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