
FRENCH GUINEAS weekend TOUR
Sunday 10th May - Tuesday 12th May 2026

HOT TO TROT RACING CHANTILLY PACKAGE
PRICES FROM £725.00 PER PERSON
Chantilly, France
Sunday 10th May - Tuesday 12th May 2026
We are pleased to offer Hot To Trot Racing's French Guineas Weekend, a short trip to Paris and Chantilly built around two day’s of racing and the opportunity to see Sea Poetry in training.
The weekend begins with arrival into Paris and time at ParisLongchamp Racecourse for the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches, the French 1,000 Guineas and one of the highlights of the French Flat season. Racecourse admission is included, allowing you to enjoy the racing and the atmosphere of one of Europe’s most elegant tracks.
During your stay you will be based in Chantilly at the 4-star Hôtel du Parc, located in the centre of town and within easy reach of the famous training grounds. Known as the heart of French racing, Chantilly is home to many of the country’s leading trainers and its gallops stretch through the surrounding forest.
A highlight of the trip is a visit to Tim Donworth's stable to see Sea Poetry at home in Chantilly and watch her on the gallops. As owners, it is a chance to spend time at the stable, meet the team and hear the latest update on her progress. On Tuesday we can enjoy an afternoon of racing at Chantilly before returning home that evening.
Sunday 10th May
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Your journey begins with a British Airways flight from London Heathrow to Paris Charles de Gaulle, departing at 07:20 hrs.
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On arrival into Paris, you will be met and transferred directly to ParisLongchamp Racecourse for their feature race meeting of the afternoon.
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Racecourse admission is included, allowing you to enjoy the racing throughout the day. A table will also be available for the group should you wish to base yourself there during the afternoon. Please note that any food and beverages ordered at the table will be on your own account.
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Following the final race, your private transfer will take you to Chantilly, where you will check in to the 4-star Hôtel du Parc Chantilly, your base for the next two nights on a bed and breakfast basis.
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The rest of that evening is at leisure to settle in and enjoy the town. Chantilly is known for its equestrian heritage and relaxed atmosphere, with a number of cafés and restaurants within easy walking distance of the hotel.
Monday 11th May
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Breakfast will be served at the hotel before a morning in the heart of one of Europe’s most important racing centres.
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You will visit the yard of Tim Donworth, where you will have the opportunity to see Sea Poetry at home and spend time at the stable. The visit will also include time on the famous Chantilly gallops, where many of France’s leading horses are exercised each morning across the extensive training grounds that run through the surrounding forest.
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The afternoon is free to explore Chantilly at your own pace. You may wish to enjoy the town centre, visit the nearby Château de Chantilly, or simply relax before the evening.
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This evening we have a table booked at a local restaurant with dinner included in the package.
Tuesday 12th May
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Breakfast will be served at the hotel before checking out.
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Later in the morning we will make our way to Chantilly Racecourse for an afternoon of racing at one of France’s most historic tracks.
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Following the final race, your private transfer will take you back to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport for your return British Airways flight landing at London Heathrow at 20:00 hours.
Poule d’Essai des Pouliches
ABOUT THE EVENT:
The Poule d’Essai des Pouliches is one of the great fixtures of the French Flat season, a Group 1 mile contest for three‑year‑old fillies that has been run at ParisLongchamp since 1883.
Often described as the French equivalent of the 1000 Guineas, it brings together the most exciting Classic prospects of the year, all bidding to announce themselves at the highest level over the famous right‑handed mile. Run over 1,600 metres on turf and carrying a purse of €550,000, it has long been a race that shapes the season ahead, with many winners going on to become major performers across Europe.
Recent renewals have showcased the depth of French and international talent, with fillies like Rouhiya capturing the 2024 edition in a race that continues to blend history, prestige and the unmistakable atmosphere of ParisLongchamp.
DON'T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT.
LIZ D,
September 2025
Wonderful weekend!
Thanks for a wonderful weekend in Merano.
We enjoyed the course walk and the great racing and hospitality on the Sunday.
Gareth R,
September 2025
Superbly organised!
Thanks for a great trip which was superbly organised.
Merano is truly special and it was topped off by a lovely day in Verona.
Carol S,
September 2025
Spectacular arrangements.
Thank ou all so much for a wonderfully memorable time in Merano and Verona.
Huge thanks to Harry, Simon, Marc and Hazel for their spectacular arrangements and professional attention to detail.
This was our third Venatour trip and we are already looking forward to Vienna!
Amanda T,
February 2024
A fabulous trip!
Thank you so much to the team and to the great company!
It was a fabulous trip.














