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Each May, the manicured lawns of ParisLongchamp come alive with the sound of hooves and the hush of expectation. The Emirates Poules d’Essai, France’s most prestigious flat racing weekend, brings together the world’s top three-year-old thoroughbreds, discerning racegoers, and a curated guest list of fashion aficionados and international tastemakers. Known as the French counterpart to England’s 2000 and 1000 Guineas, this event is where refined heritage meets modern-day glamour.
The Heritage of the Poules d’Essai
The Emirates Poules d’Essai is composed of two distinguished Group 1 races: the Poule d’Essai des Poulains, for colts, and the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches, for fillies. These races were first run in the 19th century and have remained a benchmark for excellence in European racing. Over the decades, champions such as Brametot, Zarkava, and Persian King have used these classics as stepping stones toward international acclaim and breeding immortality.
Everything to Know About Race Day
Scheduled annually for the second Sunday in May, the races unfold on the pristine turf of ParisLongchamp Racecourse, situated in the verdant Bois de Boulogne. Both races are contested over 1,600 metres — a true test of stamina and tactical brilliance.
The Poule d’Essai des Poulains and Poule d’Essai des Pouliches are exclusively for three-year-olds, drawing elite contenders from top European stables. With high-stakes purses, global prestige, and future stud careers on the line, every stride counts.
Where Prestige Takes Centre Stage
The race may last just over a minute, but the experience spans an entire weekend of curated indulgence. Guests are welcomed into private lounges with panoramic views, where champagne flutes are refilled with Bollinger and seasonal French menus are served on white linen by Paris’s top culinary talents.
From first-class flight packages to helicopter arrivals, the Poules d’Essai offers a truly seamless intersection of sport and sophistication. For many, it is as much about the lifestyle as it is about the leaderboard.
Celebrated Victories and Unforgettable Performances
The winner’s circle at ParisLongchamp is reserved for greatness. Champions of the Emirates Poules d’Essai often go on to dominate races like the Prix du Jockey Club and the Prix de Diane. Trainers such as André Fabre and Jean-Claude Rouget are frequent headliners, and jockeys like Christophe Soumillon are as much celebrities here as the horses they ride.
The 2019 edition saw Persian King surge to victory with an authoritative finish, while Zarkava’s 2008 triumph remains etched in memory as one of the most elegant displays of dominance in modern racing history.
Wagering with Wisdom: How to Bet Like a Connoisseur
For those interested in testing their instincts, the Poules d’Essai offers an accessible introduction to betting within a luxurious setting. Favourable track positions, soft ground adaptability, and recent form are all critical variables to consider.
The racing programme provides a guide to pedigree and form, but inside knowledge from a trainer’s box or a seasoned punter can add extra flair to your flutter. Even if you prefer not to wager, the palpable tension of the final stretch is enough to quicken any pulse.
The Fashion and Flair of Race Day
Fashion at the Emirates Poules d’Essai is a delicate balance of classic elegance and Parisian insouciance. There is no rigid dress code, yet expectations remain high.
Women often choose tailored day dresses from designers like Dior or Chloé, accented with structured millinery or a silk scarf. Men opt for sharp suits or nicely-cut shirts and trousers, paired with elegant, comfortable shoes. While the Royal Enclosure rules of Ascot may not apply, there is a quiet competition in understated luxury and sartorial finesse.
How to Arrive in Style and Stay in Comfort
ParisLongchamp is just a short drive from central Paris, yet the experience begins long before arrival. Emirates’ First Class passengers can arrange private transfers directly from Charles de Gaulle or Le Bourget airport. For the truly elite, helicopter access offers an aerial approach to this storied racecourse.
Accommodation options include Hôtel Plaza Athénée, known for its haute couture suites and proximity to Avenue Montaigne, or Le Meurice, a palace hotel steeped in art and aristocratic charm. Many opt to extend their stay with a post-race getaway to Champagne or the Loire Valley.
Elevate Your Experience with These Insider Tips
To make the most of this extraordinary weekend, advanced planning is essential. VIP boxes and terrace lounges are often booked out months in advance, and private invitations to exclusive after-parties are closely guarded.
For a gourmet pre-race brunch, consider dining at Le Pré Catelan. And for post-race celebrations, nothing compares to a private table at Caviar Kaspia or rooftop cocktails overlooking the Seine. Discretion, style, and spontaneity are your best accessories.
Why the Poules d’Essai Matters
Positioned early in the European flat racing season, the Emirates Poules d’Essai sets the tone for the months to come. It identifies horses of rare class, offers insights for breeders and buyers, and frequently signals contenders for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
Yet beyond the sport, it affirms France’s status as the cradle of equestrian elegance — a place where tradition, luxury, and beauty are not only appreciated but celebrated.
A Race to Remember
Attending the Emirates Poules d’Essai is far more than a day at the races. It is a cultural statement, a springtime escape, and an immersion into a lifestyle where excellence is expected and elegance is the norm.
For those who appreciate the finer things in life — horses with perfect lines, champagne at the perfect temperature, and fashion that whispers rather than shouts — this event offers a perfectly choreographed blend of thrill and refinement.
