Our weekend tour to the Normandy Studs, together with two Group 1 Classics in Paris, will be a delight for racing enthusiasts.

The weekend will include a tour of two of France’s most prestigious Studs – Haras le Quesnay and Haras d’Etreham, an exclusive tour of the stables of one of France’s most successful trainers – Criquette Head-Maarek, and two prestigious Group 1 races at Longchamp – the French 1000 & 2000 Guineas.

HARAS LE QUESNAY
Situated in the heart of the Normandy countryside, four miles from Deauville, the estate was converted into a stud in 1907 when acquired by Mr. K Vanderbilt. Abandoned before the war, it changed ownership in 1958 when Alec Head decided it was time to diversify into breeding. After two years of restoration, the first foals were born.

Le Quesnay currently stands 8 stallions: ANABAA, BERING, GOLD AWAY, HIGHEST HONOR, IRON MASK, NUMEROUS, KENTUCKY DYNAMITE and PANIS.

HARAS D’ETREHAM
The stud is in Normandy in an area near Bayeux known as 'Le Bessin' where numerous champions have been raised over the past 100 years. 13 stallions are on the roster for 2008: AMERICAN POST, ANABAA BLUE, BON BON ROSE, GREEN TUNE, IRISH WELLS, KAVAFI, LANDO, LORD DU SUD, POLIGLOTE, RUSSIAN BLUE, SAINT DES SAINTES, STORMY RIVER and TAKE RISKS.

LONGCHAMP
We have reserved a number of places in the glass-fronted Panoramic Restaurant situated on the 4th floor of the Main Grandstand. It has excellent views of the course and is fully equipped with TV monitors as well as Pari Mutuel Betting Desks. Places must be reserved in advance so please let us know if you will require lunch at the time of booking. The cost is approximately £35 per person excluding wines, payable on the day.