Prix d’Amérique 2026: a legendary weekend of racing, spectacle and celebration at Paris-Vincennes

Every year at the end of January, Paris becomes the world epicenter of harness trotting with the legendary Prix d’Amérique Legend Race, an international horse race that brings together the world’s best trotting horses on the great track of the Hippodrome Paris-Vincennes. For 2026, the event takes place from January 23 to 25, 2026, under the banner of the Prix d’Amérique Festival, a total celebration of sport, horseracing, music and festive atmosphere.

More than just a race, the Prix d’Amérique Legend Race is considered the World Championship of harness trotting. Created in 1920 to honor the United States’ involvement in the First World War, the 2700-meter event pits 18 of the world’s most prestigious trotters against each other, ready to give their all to make history.

Three days of festivities, thrills and entertainment

The Prix d’Amérique Festival transforms the Paris racecourse into an American-style party venue for three whole days. On the program: top-level races, showrooms, immersive experiences, DJ sets, live performances, rider parades and entertainment for the whole family. The atmosphere blends equestrian sport, music and entertainment for the general public, offering an experience that goes far beyond the competition itself.

On Friday, the Prix d’Amérique Expo opens its doors, with international exhibitors, interactive activities such as virtual reality and immersive track tours. On Saturday, the atmosphere continues with an American-inspired village featuring food trucks, children’s entertainment and DJ sets. Finally, Sunday is the high point, crowned by the legendary Prix d’Amérique Legend Race, the most eagerly awaited moment of the equestrian winter.

Spectators can also enjoy VIP experiences, catering areas, privileged moments close to the horses and drivers, and a convivial atmosphere on the racecourse terraces. It’s a chance to experience the intensity of the races live, to thrill to the excitement of fans from all over the world, and to share an exceptional moment with friends and family.

An unmissable sporting and cultural event

The Prix d’Amérique is not just a race, it’s a Parisian tradition deeply rooted in the history of equestrian sport. Champions such as Ourasi and Hooker Berry have made their mark by winning several editions, etching their names alongside the legends of the sport.

The Prix d’Amérique Festival is a true immersion in the world of trotting, combining the tension of racing, the conviviality of a large gathering and the generosity of a festive festival.

The 3-day program

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23

08h00 Salon Prix d’Amérique Expo
Opening of the world’s largest show dedicated to trotting. Meet exhibitors from all over the world, explore equestrian cultures from New York to Stockholm and experience the official launch of the weekend.

10:30 Immersive experiences
Continuous throughout the day: Test virtual reality and drive a sulky at the heart of a race. Walk the Paris-Vincennes asphalt and discover its legendary course!

12h00 Arrival of the Trophy
The Prix d’Amérique Legend Race Trophy makes its entrance at Paris-Vincennes after its tour of France’s racecourses. A symbolic moment not to be missed.

7:00 pm Auction
In the exclusive setting of Club Uranie, attend the Arqana auction for the Prix d’Amérique. Around a hundred elite trotters will be on show: perhaps you’ll witness the birth of a future champion!

SATURDAY, JANUARY 24

12:00 American Village opens
US entertainment, creative workshops, cosplay, parades, rodeo, arcade terminals… A real playground for young and old!

12:30 pm Food & Fun
American-style street food: burgers, hot dogs, buffalo wings, doughnuts… Visit the stables, pose with the star horses, go behind the scenes and try to win a lap of the track in a follow car.

12h00 DJ SETS & Yann Muller
Between races, Paris-Vincennes goes into festival mode. Yann Muller, YoFunders and PalaisVert set the vibes with inter-race DJ sets, remixed classics and a roaring grandstand.

1:00 pm Races & show
Horses take to the track. Highlights: Prix Ourasi and Bold Eagle, pitting Europe’s best 3- and 4-year-old trotters against each other, the champions of tomorrow. The Prix du Luxembourg, an international event over 2,100 m. A springboard to the Prix de France Speed Race.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 25

10:30 GATES OPEN
The big day has arrived. More than 40,000 spectators are expected for an extraordinary experience: arrive early to take advantage of all the entertainment.

12:00 3,2,1 Top!
10 races on the program, and the tension mounts! The American Village remains open with workshops, US flavours and food & drink formulas. Read more

13:20 Opening ceremony – GIMS
GIMS will set the grandstands alight with a show in the heart of Paris-Vincennes! An XXL moment to get the vibes going before the drivers’ parade, during which the riders of the 105th edition of the Prix d’Amérique – Legend Race will be presented to the public.

15h50 Garde Républicaine show
Tradition and equestrian savoir-faire light up the track as a prelude to the big race. The Garde Républicaine performs its Carrousel des Lances show, accompanied by the music of its Fanfare.

4.10pm Maximum tension
Last parade of competitors. Can you bet on the right horse? Excitement is at its peak as competitors make their way to the start area!

4.20 pm Start of the Prix d’Amérique Legend Race
The start is set for the pharaonic race with a million euros in prize money. 3 minutes of pure intensity on the legendary 2,700-meter Grande Piste to crown the world champion of harness trotting.

18:45 Prix d’Amérique Festival closes
After three days of total immersion, it’s time to say goodbye… and look forward to the next events: – Prix de France Speed Race – February 8 – Prix de Paris Marathon Race – February 22 Reserve your seats and follow us for even more surprises!

Practical information Prix d’Amérique Festival 2026

Dates: January 23-25, 2026
Location: Hippodrome Paris-Vincennes, 2 route de la Ferme, 75012 Paris
Event: Prix d’Amérique Festival – horse racing, entertainment, shows and DJ sets
Main race: Prix d’Amérique Legend Race – Sunday, January 25
Tickets: from €5 (final race) – VIP experiences available
Access: Metro Line 1 (Château de Vincennes) + bus and RER nearby

A not-to-be-missed winter event in Paris for all horse lovers, thrill-seekers and those looking for a festive experience.

See also: Other weekend activities in Paris