ISLE BRIAND RACECOURSE
The earliest evidence of racing at Angers was in 1874 when on the 14th September a meeting consisting of 4 races took place. The card had 3 trotting races and one gallop race.
	From 1890 until 1945 two factions organised races in the area of Maine et Loire. The Societe des Courses du Lion d'Angers was the first to become established in 1890, but were joined in 1922 by Societe Hippique Lionnaise. By 1945 the two societes had merged and the courses in the area grew in strength.
The Lion d'Angers Racecourse amd the Isle-Briard Racecourse continued to improve their facilities and by 1975 had new weighing rooms and a new betting hall. By 1993 champion horses like Urban Sea, the future Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner, graced the course with his presence.
	The principal race is the Anjou-Loire Challenge which can rightly be described as the longest steeplechase in the world over a 7300 metre course. This years race takes place on 21st May 2009, while the most recent renewal in 2008 was run on 1st May and was won by Night Rocheloise ridden by Jerome Zuliani.
If you have badges, racecards, pictures of the racecourse or further details about the course, including your memories, then email johnslusar@fsmail.net