The Pompadour Racecourse is one of the lesser-known jewels of French equestrian sport. Set in the heart of Arnac-Pompadour, in Corrèze, it is part of a venue unique in France: the only site bringing together a racecourse, a national stud farm and a historic château. With the opening of the Imperial Casino of Pompadour on 2 May 2026, the racecourse joins a more complete and ambitious tourism destination.

The Pompadour Racecourse: a centuries-old institution

Racing in Pompadour has deep roots in the stud farm’s history. From the National Stud Farm’s creation in 1872, informal races tested the quality of horses bred on site. The official racecourse took shape gradually through the 19th and 20th centuries, becoming a regular fixture on the French racing calendar.

Pompadour’s distinctive feature is that the racecourse is not isolated: it works hand in hand with the stud farm. Horses born and raised on site can be trained on local tracks, then entered in races. This continuity — from birth to competition — is rare in French racing.

Tracks and facilities

• Race types: Flat, jumps and trot depending on the meeting
• Main track: Turf, around 2,000 m loop
• Stands: Traditional capacity, family atmosphere
• Facilities: Paddock visible to the public, accessible weighing area, bar and snack catering

2026 race calendar: key dates at Pompadour

The Pompadour Racecourse calendar runs mainly from spring to autumn, with regular meetings throughout April to October. Several key dates stand out for the 2026 season:

• April 2026: Season reopening, coinciding with the Imperial Casino opening (2 May)
• May-June: First major prizes of the season, including Anglo-Arab races
• July-August: Peak of the season, prestige meetings, international attendance
• September-October: Season finale with autumn races

Betting and gaming: the racecourse and the casino

A historical curiosity links racecourses and casinos: their audiences naturally overlap. Whether betting on horses or trying their luck at roulette, gambling fans share the same taste for the adrenaline of an uncertain result. This cultural proximity explains why the casino-racecourse pairing at Pompadour feels self-evident.

• On race days, visitors can extend their evening at the casino, creating a complete leisure day
• Professional bettors staying in Pompadour for the races will find the casino a complementary form of entertainment
• The casino’s gastronomy meets the expectations of guests used to prestigious venues

« À Pompadour, les chevaux galopent le jour et les cartes s’animent le soir. La tradition équestre et le plaisir du jeu ne se contredisent pas : ils se complètent. »

Anglo-Arab races: the Pompadour speciality

If Pompadour is famous in the equestrian world, it’s above all for the Anglo-Arab races. This breed — a cross between the English Thoroughbred and the Arabian — is emblematic of the National Stud Farm. Races reserved for Anglo-Arabs attract Europe’s leading trainers and owners.

Ces courses ont une dimension internationale : des délégations espagnoles, portugaises et anglaises se déplacent régulièrement à Pompadour pour les grandes réunions. C’est cet attrait international qui justifie la comparaison entre Pompadour et des destinations plus connues : le village corrézien est, dans son domaine, ae capitale mondiale.

Attending the races: practical info

• Access: Place du Vieux Lavoir, 19230 Arnac-Pompadour — free parking
• General entry: Discounts for families, children and groups
• PMU Betting: On-site windows

On race days, Pompadour buzzes with activity. Booking ahead for the Imperial Casino’s restaurant or for accommodation is strongly advised during major meetings. Check out our Pompadour stay packages pour des formules « courses + casino » clé en main.

To discover the full heritage, see our complete Arnac-Pompadour guide with all the practical information for planning your stay.

Independent website — not affiliated with the Imperial Casino of Pompadour or the PVG Group

Also explore: 2026 race calendar · National Stud Farm · Imperial Casino