Growing Ties Between Asia and France’s Horse Racing Industry
A notable shift is underway in the world of horse racing, with increasing collaboration between France and several Asian nations. While France has long-standing relationships with Japan and China (through Hong Kong) in the thoroughbred sector, recent developments signal a broadening of these connections to include trot racing and vocational training initiatives. This growing partnership, particularly evident in early 2026, reflects a strategic move to tap into the burgeoning Asian market and foster mutual growth within the industry. The year of the “fire horse” in the Chinese zodiac is proving to be a catalyst for these developments, marked by celebrations and concrete agreements.
The French horse racing industry, encompassing both the Société d’Encouragement à l’Élevage et à l’Acquisition de Pur-Sang (SETF) and the Association Française des Courses Hippiques (AFASEC), is actively looking eastward. This renewed focus comes after a successful celebration of the Lunar New Year at Paris-Vincennes racecourse on February 22nd, attracting a crowd of 17,000 people. This event underscored the potential for cultural exchange and the growing interest in French horse racing within Asian communities.
New Racing Initiatives with China
Building on established ties with the China Horse Industry Association (CHIA), the SETF is set to host a new race, the “Trophée de la SETF,” at the Sandu Hippodrome in Guizhou province, China. This initiative represents a significant step in promoting French trot racing within China and fostering a deeper understanding of the sport. The Sandu Hippodrome, located in the Guizhou region, will serve as the venue for this inaugural event, further solidifying the partnership between the SETF and the CHIA. This collaboration aims to introduce French racing traditions and expertise to a new audience, potentially opening doors for future investment and collaboration.
Vocational Training Partnership with Indonesia
Beyond racing events, AFASEC has similarly forged a strategic partnership with Indonesia, signed on January 28th, 2026. This collaboration focuses on developing vocational training programs for the horse racing industry within Indonesia. The partnership aims to equip Indonesian professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to support the growth of the local racing sector. This initiative highlights a commitment to long-term development and capacity building within the Asian racing community. The AFASEC will provide expertise and resources to help establish and enhance training programs, ensuring a skilled workforce for the Indonesian horse racing industry.
France’s Success in Japan: Calandagan’s Victory
The strengthening ties with Asia are occurring alongside notable successes for French horses on the international stage. In November 2025, Calandagan, a French thoroughbred, achieved a remarkable victory in the Japan Cup, ending a 38-year drought for French competitors in the prestigious race. France Galop reported that this win was the first for a French horse in the Japan Cup since 1987. The victory was particularly significant as Calandagan, trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, also set a new course record and a world record for the 2,400-meter distance on turf, completing the race in 2 minutes and 20.3 seconds.
Calandagan’s success is a testament to the quality of French training and breeding programs. Francis-Henri Graffard, based in Chantilly, France, was already enjoying a record-breaking year in 2025, with 14 Group 1 victories to his name, surpassing the previous record held by André Fabre. Graffard attributed his success to the exceptional quality of Calandagan, stating, “I was really nervous before the Japan Cup. Amener le meilleur cheval du monde ici, c’est une chose, mais il affrontait un lot de très grande qualité…” (Bringing the best horse in the world here is one thing, but he faced a remarkably high-quality field…).
Expanding Global Reach and Collaboration
These developments – the new race in China, the training partnership in Indonesia, and Calandagan’s triumph in Japan – collectively demonstrate a concerted effort by the French horse racing industry to expand its global reach and foster stronger relationships with key Asian markets. The focus on both racing events and vocational training highlights a holistic approach to international collaboration, aiming to build sustainable partnerships and promote the long-term growth of the sport. The increasing interest from Asian nations in French horse racing is driven by a combination of factors, including the sport’s rich history, the quality of French-bred horses, and the potential for economic benefits.
The growing collaboration isn’t limited to trot and thoroughbred racing. The AFASEC’s focus on vocational training in Indonesia, for example, suggests a broader strategy to support the development of the entire horse racing ecosystem in the region. This includes training stable hands, jockeys, veterinarians, and other professionals essential to the industry’s success. The partnership with the CHIA also indicates a willingness to adapt to local preferences and tailor racing programs to appeal to Chinese audiences.
The Role of France Galop
While the recent announcements focus on the SETF and AFASEC, France Galop, the governing body for thoroughbred racing in France, also plays a crucial role in these international initiatives. A recent interview with Guillaume de Saint-Seine, President of France Galop, at the 2025 Japan Cup, highlighted the organization’s commitment to strengthening ties with Asian racing authorities. Saint-Seine emphasized the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing to promote the growth of the sport globally.
The success of Calandagan in the Japan Cup, coupled with the growing partnerships with China and Indonesia, underscores the increasing influence of French horse racing on the international stage. This momentum is expected to continue in the coming years, as France seeks to capitalize on the burgeoning Asian market and solidify its position as a global leader in the horse racing industry. The strategic focus on both elite competition and grassroots development suggests a long-term commitment to fostering sustainable growth and collaboration.
Looking ahead, the “Trophée de la SETF” at the Sandu Hippodrome will be a key event to watch, as it marks a significant milestone in the partnership between France and China. The success of the AFASEC’s training program in Indonesia will also be closely monitored, as it could serve as a model for future collaborations in other Asian countries. The continued success of French horses in international competitions, like the Japan Cup, will further enhance the reputation of French breeding and training programs, attracting investment and talent from around the world.
The next major event to watch for is the running of the Prix Emile Allix Courboy (Quinté+) at Paris-Vincennes on February 27th, 2026, as reported by FranceTrot. This race will provide another opportunity to showcase the quality of French trot racing and attract international attention. Stay tuned to World Today Journal for further updates on these developments and the evolving relationship between France and the Asian horse racing industry.