Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The racetrack of the Putois, located in Compiègne, Oise, came into being in 1875, when the city authorized the clearing of land to organize the first races, carried by local personalities. The tracks were designed by Richard Carter, a member of a family of British coaches active in Chantilly and Compiègne. This site quickly became a popular place, attracting thousands of Parisian betting players thanks to special trains organized by the Compagnie des Chemins de Fer du Nord after the creation of the Société des Races de Compiègne in 1891.

In 1932, the hippodrome adopted its characteristic Anglo-Norman style, with hardwood stands and half-timbered towers, replacing the old wooden structures. The Pavillon des Balances, by architect René Dieudonné de La Bouglise, was inaugurated in 1914. These developments marked a modernisation of the site, reinforced in the 21st century by major works: renovation of the stands, expansion of the infrastructure (130 boxes, infirmary to standards), and installation of a giant screen in 2013 to broadcast live races.

In 2010, Eric Woerth, then Minister of Budget, was accused of favouritism for selling the site and 60 hectares of the forest of Compiègne for 2.5 million euros, an amount deemed to be largely undervalued. Experts estimated its real value at EUR 12.9 million. This scandal highlighted the heritage and financial issues associated with this monument that has been on the national domain since 2022.

Today, the racetrack of the Putois is distinguished by its technical installations: a flat track of 2,200 m, trot and obstacle routes (up to 4,700 m for the cross-country), and 19 obstacles for the stepple-chase. This equipment makes it a major site for horse racing in France, while preserving its architectural heritage and its anchoring in the national domain of Compiègne.

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