Hippodrome de Vichy-Bellerive

What Hippodrome de Vichy-Bellerive does

Hippodrome de Vichy-Bellerive is a 150-year-old French horse racing venue established in 1875 and located in Bellerive-sur-Allier, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. Operated by the private Société des Courses de Vichy (SCV), it functions seasonally from May to September and serves a mixed audience of racing professionals, trainers, on-site bettors, hospitality clients, and tourist visitors. The venue holds official National Training Centre status with 365 stabling boxes and hosts both trot (Festival du Trot) and gallop (Festival du Galop) races; 39 race days are scheduled for 2026, and 55,056 spectators attended in 2024. Ancillary visitor products include sulky baptisms (928 in 2023), guided tours (2,783 in 2023), follow-car rides (3,773 in 2023), and hospitality box rentals, supplemented by drone-show entertainment programming introduced for 2025.

The underlying technology stack is conventional and not differentiated: race timing systems, HD digital broadcasting infrastructure, a 49m² LED screen, and a third-party online booking platform (Vivenu). There is no proprietary software, no AI/ML systems, and limited automation. Revenue is generated through a multi-stream model: ticket admissions, PMU pari-mutuel betting revenue share (PMU broadcasts races to approximately 150 points of sale nationwide since 1989), food and beverage, hospitality and box rentals, sponsorships, sulky baptism fees, and public-sector institutional support from Vichy Communauté, Conseil Départemental, Région AuRA, and Ville de Vichy. Philippe Bouchara has served as President since 2010, and the venue operates with nine direct employees. Capital investments have been recurring rather than transformative: track renovations in 2018, 2019–2020, and 2022, plus the HD broadcasting upgrade. Certifications include Charte Nature and EquuRES Level 1 (environmental).

Name

Hippodrome de Vichy-Bellerive

Legal name

Société des Courses de Vichy

Website

https://coursesvichy.fr

Company type

Private

Founded year

1875

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Hippodrome de Vichy-Bellerive is a 150-year-old French horse racing venue in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, operating seasonally from May to September. It hosts trot and gallop races, generates revenue from ticketing, PMU pari-mutuel betting, hospitality, and institutional support, serving racing professionals and spectators.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Horse Racing & Equestrian Entertainment

NAICS

Racetracks (711212), Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities (711310)

SIC

Services-Racing, Including Track Operation (7948), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Racetrack & Race Meeting Operations (MPAEADAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Racecourse Hospitality, Sponsorship & On-Track Experiences (MPAEADAM), Training, Stables & Equine Services (MPAEADAI), Horse Boarding, Livery & Stable Operations (AFAEAGAG)

Keywords

• Horse racing events
• Trotting and gallop races
• Pari-mutuel betting venue
• Equestrian training facilities
• Racecourse hospitality services

Headquarters

HQ city

Bellerive-sur-Allier

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Spectator Admission & Ticketing: Revenue from ticket sales for race-day admission. Adults, students, children, and PSH (disabled persons) pay different rates. Online pre-sale via Vivenu enables cut-queue entry. Premium packages include panoramic restaurant access bundled with admission.
2. Pari-Mutuel Betting (PMU): The core revenue driver of French horse racing. PMU handles betting turnover; a portion is redistributed as race prize allocations (totalling €700,000 at the Festival du Trot and €1.035M at the Festival du Galop). Since 1989, races have been broadcast live by satellite to ~150 PMU points of sale nationwide.
3. Food, Beverage & Hospitality: On-site dining across three venues: the panoramic restaurant 'Le V' (operated by Le Montrognon caterer), Brasserie L'Étrier (open race days only, no reservations), and snack bar La Bodega. Revenue from à la carte menus, brunch packages, and event catering.
4. Sulky Baptism & Experiences: Sulky baptism experiences sold at €65 on standard race days and €75 on event days. Includes guided track sessions with retired horses accompanied by professional drivers, plus add-ons (guided tours, follow-car rides). Gift vouchers valid 1 year are also sold.
5. Box Rental to Race Professionals: Free-of-charge box allocation to race-day professionals (trainers, drivers) who pre-book. Revenue is indirect — professional attendance sustains race quality and PMU betting volume.
6. Sponsorship & Partnership Deals: Local and regional businesses sponsor the racetrack in exchange for brand visibility on-site, in programs, and across digital channels. Institutional partners (Vichy Communauté, Conseil Départemental, Ville de Vichy) provide subsidy/support in return for regional promotion.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

The Hippodrome de Vichy-Bellerive operates a seasonal horse racing venue in Bellerive-sur-Allier, France, hosting trot and gallop race meetings from May to September, anchored by signature events such as the Festival du Trot, Festival du Galop and the Group III Grand Prix de Vichy. It complements racing with on-site hospitality (panoramic restaurant Le V, Brasserie L'Étrier, snack bar La Bodega), consumer experiences (sulky baptisms, guided tours, follow-car rides), and professional services including 365 stable boxes and a certified National Training Centre. Revenue is generated from ticketing, pari-mutuel betting handled by PMU, catering, experience fees, and sponsorship deals.

Product overview

Hippodrome de Vichy-Bellerive operates as a seasonal horse racing venue offering two core disciplines — trot (trot) and gallop (galop) — along with a comprehensive set of visitor and professional services. The portfolio includes on-site dining experiences (Restaurant Panoramique Le V, Brasserie L'Étrier, La Bodega snack bar), immersive visitor experiences (sulky baptisms, guided tours, following car rides), and professional infrastructure (365 box rentals, certified training center). Major seasonal events include the Festival du Trot and Festival du Galop, the Grand Prix de Vichy, the Speed Cup circuit, and various themed evenings. The site runs from May to September annually, with 39 race days planned for 2026 across both disciplines.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Horse Racing Events (Trot & Gallop Meetings)
• Festival du Trot
• Festival du Galop
• Grand Prix de Vichy
• Défi du Galop
• Speed Cup Tour
• Sulky Baptism Experience (Baptême de Sulky)
• Restaurant Panoramique Le V
• Brasserie L'Étrier
• Snack La Bodega
• Box Rental (Réservation de Boxes)
• National Training Centre (Centre d'Entraînement — Pôle National)
• Drone Show — Le Voyageur des Rêves

Quantifiable outcome

• 55,056 spectators in 2024 season (+8% vs 2023)
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature4 records

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• PMU (Pari Mutuel Urbain)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNational horse racing betting operator. PMU broadcasts Vichy races live to ~150 points of sale nationwide and generates the primary revenue stream for French racing through pari-mutuel wagering. A portion of PMU turnover is redistributed as race prize allocations (€700,000 at Festival du Trot, €1.035M at Festival du Galop).
• France GalopcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGoverning body for flat and jump racing in France. Partners with Vichy to organize the Festival du Galop (20–25 July), the Défi du Galop (7th stage, July 21 2026), and other gallop race meetings. France Galop sanctions and ratings赋予Vichy's gallop races their competitive legitimacy.
• Le TrotcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGoverning body for trotting in France. Co-organizes the Festival du Trot (28 June – 4 July 2026) and all trot race meetings. Le Trot sanctions and regulates Vichy trot races, which pioneered nighttime trot racing in France.
• FNCH (Fédération Nationale des Courses Hippiques)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational federation overseeing responsible gambling, regulatory compliance, and the Pari Mutuel betting system across all French racecourses. FNCH supports Vichy through regulatory guidance, responsible gambling programs (Jouons Responsable), and anti-doping coordination.
• Vichy CommunautécoreGTM or Marketing PartnerInter-municipal authority for Vichy and surrounding communities. Provides institutional support, co-funding, and cross-promotion for the hippodrome as a regional cultural and tourist asset.
• Ville de VichycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerThe municipality of Vichy. Supports the hippodrome through the La Mouette II free river shuttle service, fireworks sponsorship (Fête de l'Hippodrome, Grand Prix de Vichy, Soirée de Clôture), and cross-promotion as part of Vichy as a spa and tourist destination.
• Ville de Bellerive-sur-AlliermajorGTM or Marketing PartnerHost municipality where the hippodrome is physically located. Provides local administrative support and community integration for the venue.
• Conseil Départemental de l'AlliermajorGTM or Marketing PartnerDepartmental council providing institutional and financial support for the hippodrome as a regional sporting and cultural infrastructure.
• Région Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (Régio AuRA)majorGTM or Marketing PartnerRegional council providing institutional support and regional development funding for the hippodrome as a sporting and tourism asset for the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
• Le Montrognon (Caterer)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFine dining caterer operating the panoramic restaurant 'Le V' since the 2025 season. Provides exclusive catering services including brunch packages (€40/person), event dinners, and seasonal menus using local and seasonal products. Reservations via online package purchase only.
• EquidiamajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSpecialist equestrian television channel broadcasting live Vichy race meetings, especially Premium events (Festival du Trot, Festival du Galop, Grand Prix de Vichy). Provides production resources and national viewership for race coverage.
• Le Défi du GalopmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational racing circuit of which Vichy is the 7th stage in 2026. A multi-hippodrome competition across France bringing together top gallop horses and jockeys. Vichy has been part of the circuit since its creation.
• Hippodrome de FeursminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFellow Loire-region racecourse collaborating with Vichy within the Festival du Trot du Centre-Est framework, which also includes Hippodrome de Saint-Galmier.
• Hippodrome de Saint-GalmierminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFellow Loire-region racecourse co-organizing the Festival du Trot du Centre-Est with Vichy and Feurs, sharing race dates within the same week to create a regional trot racing festival.
• Speed Cup TourmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSeven-stage trot racing circuit across southeastern and east-central France (Saint-Galmier, Cavaillon, Lyon-Parilly, Beaumont-de-Lomagne, Feurs, Vichy), culminating in qualifying heats and a final at Vichy (July 4 2026). Vichy hosts both qualifying rounds and the grand finale.
• Ecuries CavaleirominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal equestrian centre providing pony riding experiences at family events (Portes Ouvertes, Chasse aux Oeufs, Baptême de poneys) on race days.
• Vichy DestinationmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial Vichy tourism board promoting the spa town and surrounding area. Cross-promotes the hippodrome as a key tourist attraction and summer entertainment destination for Vichy visitors.
• France Bleu Pays d'AuvergneminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRegional public radio station covering Auvergne. Provides media coverage and promotional mentions for Vichy race events and the 150th anniversary celebrations.
• Jeff de Bruges VichyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal chocolatier partner for Easter Egg Hunt events. Provides chocolate eggs and prizes for the annual Chasse aux Oeufs de Pâques (giant Easter egg hunt), which has distributed 5,000 eggs in previous years.
• Red MillsminorOthersInternational equestrian feed brand sponsoring the hippodrome's horse care and nutrition supply. Listed on the partners page.
• EBAVA CussetminorGTM or Marketing PartnerClassic car club presenting vintage vehicle exhibitions during the Nocturne Estivale events, combining automobile heritage with horse racing for a unique summer evening experience.
• Yves Chenil / Groupe CarrusminorOthersHorse equipment and supply company (Carrus Group) supporting the hippodrome's operational needs. Listed on the partners page.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Hippodrome de Deauville: Prestigious Norman coast racecourse, comparable in its mix of premium racing, tourism destination, and high-end hospitality. Direct competitor for sponsorships, summer-season tourist attendance, and Quinté+ scheduling.
• Hippodrome de Vincennes: France's premier trotting venue, the historic reference for PMU-supported nighttime trotting — a discipline Vichy pioneered. Comparable in product (trot, PMU integration, premium events) and in operating model (race society), though Vincennes is structurally larger and year-round.
• Hippodrome de Cabourg: Norman seaside trotting venue with a strong PMU and nighttime trotting tradition; comparable in scale and seasonal model to Vichy, with similar reliance on Festival du Trot / summer programming.
• Hippodrome de Chantilly: Major French flat racing venue, part of the Défi du Galop circuit alongside Vichy, hosting Group-level races and combining competitive racing with tourism and hospitality. Comparable premium positioning and on-site F&B strategy.
• Hippodrome de Cagnes-sur-Mer: Mediterranean seasonal racecourse offering winter/spring racing with a comparable mix of trot and galop, similar seasonal operating model, and integrated F&B and event programming.
• Hippodrome de Saint-Galmier: Third member of the Festival du Trot du Centre-Est partnership; comparable in regional positioning, race calendar overlap, and Speed Cup circuit participation, making it a near-twin for benchmarking attendance and programming.
• Hippodrome ParisLongchamp: France Galop's flagship flat racing venue in the Paris region; directly comparable as a premium racetrack hosting Group races, Quinté+ events, and major on-site hospitality operations, though at significantly larger scale than Vichy.
• Hippodrome de Feurs: Loire-region trotting partner within the Festival du Trot du Centre-Est alongside Vichy. Comparable in scale, regional positioning, and co-marketing arrangement, and a direct peer for shared race-date programming.

Broad incumbents

• Le Trot: Governing body for French trotting and co-organizer of the Festival du Trot. Comparable as the industry-level incumbent that defines Vichy's trotting program, regulatory framework, and PMU-facing economics.
• France Galop: Governing body for French flat and jump racing. A strategic partner of Vichy (co-organizer of the Festival du Galop) and a broad incumbent that sets the rules, allocations, and competitive calendar within which Vichy operates.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/HippodromeVichy
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCRKj1kOhLSZiNa61bJI1oNg
• Facebookfacebook.com/hippodromevichybellerive
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hippodrome-de-vichy-bellerive
• Instagraminstagram.com/hippodrome_vichy_bellerive/?hl=fr

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Hippodrome de Vichy-Bellerive