Henri Pouret: “International Cooperation Is Key to the Development of Our Sport”

The Chief Operating Officer of France Galop gave a highly insightful interview to the program Objetivo Latino, produced by Global Media Turf, sharing details on the workings of the body that governs French racing

Henri Pouret (right) in an Interview Packed with Takeaways / GOOGLE

By Diego H. Mitagstein

France is undoubtedly one of the strongest powers in global racing. Its infrastructure, betting system, institutional organization, and state support place it at a level that is hard to imagine from this side of the Atlantic. To provide a clearer picture of how this complex machine operates, Objetivo Latino, broadcast by Global Media Turf, spoke with Henri Pouret, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy CEO of France Galop, the body that regulates and administers racing in the country.

“South American racing is very important to us,” Pouret began, “because these are breeding countries, and breeding is absolutely key to the future of our sport. Moreover, there is immense passion for racing in the region.”

He highlighted the long-standing collaboration with the American Racing Channel, which has helped Latin American races reach the French audience and strengthen their position in the international market. “Exports of Latin American racing have increased thanks to this partnership and the quality control efforts across different countries,” he explained.

Pouret recalled that the connection with South America began in 2011, when France’s online betting market opened to new operators. “France Galop implemented a strategy to expand the races offered to our clients, and we began including Latin American contests. From the start, the results were excellent, and betting volumes remained strong, although wagers in France are currently down 4% due to the overall economic situation.”

Asked about the possibility of exchange agreements with the region, Pouret was clear: “It could be very positive. International relations are essential for promoting and developing the sport, especially regarding stable staff. In France, as in much of Europe, we face a huge challenge in hiring workers for both breeding and racing. If the situation in South America is similar, we could benefit each other mutually.”

The Challenge of Attracting New Audiences

One of France Galop’s current concerns is generational renewal. “For years, we’ve tried to attract new audiences because we face a shortage of young people attending the racecourses,” Pouret noted. “When we opened the new stand at ParisLongchamp, we organized evening meetings from May to July on Thursdays, taking advantage of good weather and students’ free time. It worked very well: many young people attended.”

The outreach plan also included family-friendly Sunday meetings at Parisian tracks, with educational activities, pony exhibitions, and races for children. “The pony races became very popular, and many of those children are now professional jockeys. Some of the most successful actually started there,” he added.

Another promotional initiative was held at the Place de la Concorde, in the heart of Paris, where retired horses were displayed for two days alongside educational material on France Galop, the French jockey school, and the racetrack federation. “The new president, Guillaume de Saint-Seine, wants to bring racing back to the heart of the French people,” Pouret emphasized.

Partners, Not Competitors

Far from viewing England and Ireland as rivals, Pouret insisted they are strategic allies. “France, England, Ireland, and Germany are part of the European Pattern Committee, the body that regulates the quality of Group races in Europe. We are institutional partners, although sometimes we naturally compete to attract the best horses to our major contests.”

This quest for international quality also includes incentives to attract runners from Japan, a country that has shown notable progress in recent years. “At the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, we had three Japanese horses. They won their previous races in France and brought strong competitiveness. We want the Arc to regain its status as the world’s best race according to the IFHA.”

An Impressive Structure

Pouret provided a detailed overview of France Galop, a true example of modern racing management. “We are a non-profit association, the regulatory and governing body for racing in France. We directly manage the main tracks: Longchamp and Auteuil in Paris; Chantilly in the north; and Deauville by the sea. Additionally, we operate three public training centers: Chantilly, with 2,600 horses; Maison-Laffitte, with 500; and Deauville, with 450. Altogether, there are roughly 10,000 horses in training nationwide.”

Pouret added that France Galop is one of the two main shareholders of the PMU, France’s betting operator with a monopoly on on-track wagering. “Although the online market opened in 2010, we remain shareholders alongside the Trotting Association, since trotting is very popular in France. Thanks to this structure, we can fund purses and provide subsidies to the country’s 233 racecourses,” he explained.

“Some are small, with only one or two meetings per year, but there are also major tracks like Longchamp or Chantilly. France Galop operates under the supervision of three ministries: Agriculture, Budget, and Interior. We are a semi-state non-profit association, and anyone wishing to register as an owner, trainer, or jockey must undergo a prior police background check,” he detailed.

Modern Management and Political Support

In recent years, French racing management has modernized significantly. “Previously, we were very focused on betting. Today, we work more on the quality of the spectacle. Together with the PMU and the Trotting Association, we study calendars to place the best races at the most suitable times and reduce contests with few participants. Having at least eight horses is essential, as betting volume increases 40% when that threshold is exceeded.”

Pouret also highlighted the importance of state backing. “The government legally authorizes us to organize races. We retain the monopoly on on-track wagering, which is crucial for our revenue. State representatives participate in France Galop’s board and general assembly. Their support is key.”

Political connections, he acknowledged, have been vital in navigating difficult moments. “A few years ago, a law was proposed to raise taxes on racing wagers, which would have meant a 40-million-euro loss. We had the necessary support, and the measure was not enacted. Maintaining strong relations with politicians is essential for the future of French racing.”

Before concluding, Henri Pouret left the door open for closer collaboration with Latin America. “I am very open to exploring cooperation with the region. The passion for racing there is enormous, and that is always the starting point for building great things.”