Morning at the Gallops!

The group then had the privilege of going right on to the gallops, which are not open to the public, and watching his horses training on the magnificent track in the forest of Maisons-Lafitte St Germain.  The excitement was palpable as the beautiful animals thundered by. Over a welcome 'café croissant' afterwards at the emblematic "Le Pur Sang" opposite the racecourse (which has the longest race track in Europe), Pascal explained what an important equestrian centre Maisons Lafitte is with over 700 race horses at various establishments based on 130h owned by France Galop (also a member of NetworkIrlande and the FBCC) which provides extensive facilities with a team of 50 staff there (France Galop Maisons Laffitte). 

After an impressive racing career (nine times amateur 'Cravache d'Or, twice European Champion and 422 wins) Pascal, who was the first manager of GOFFS, the Irish bloodstock agency, in France, has become a trainer and runs a syndicate called "Ecurie Mansonnienne".

NetworkIrlande, together with the FBCC, ABIE and the France Canada Chamber, will be organising the popular annual "Lunch at the Races" this year at Auteuil racecourse on the 27th June with the support of France Galop, at which Pascal Adda will talk about "the Business of Racing".  We hope to see many of you at this convivial last event before the summer break.