France Galop moves Marseille-Borély race to Vichy due to drought

France Galop has announced the relocation of a horse racing event originally scheduled for September 3, 2026, at the Marseille-Borély racecourse to the Vichy racecourse in Allier.

The decision is a response to extreme drought conditions and exceptional summer heat in the Marseille region. Over the past two months, the area has recorded only 5 mm of precipitation, with daytime temperatures frequently approaching 40 °C and nighttime temperatures remaining above 30 °C.

Organizers stated that these conditions have weakened the grass root system at the Marseille-Borély track. Moving the meeting to Vichy is intended to preserve the track's quality for five additional races scheduled for the autumn and to ensure safe competition conditions.