A Sunday at the Races: A French Equine Expereince

Sunday, March 8 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
VIP Box – Tampa Bay Downs

Join Tampa Sister Cities for an unforgettable afternoon where international culture meets the thrill of the track. A Sunday at the Races is an exclusive French equine experience hosted in a private VIP box at Tampa Bay Downs, featuring live racing, refined conversation, and rare insights from one of France’s most respected horse trainers.

This special event celebrates the deep cultural connection between Tampa and France while offering guests a front-row seat to the elegance, strategy, and excitement of thoroughbred racing.

Meet Our Special Guest: Arnaud Delacour

Arnaud Delacour is an internationally respected Thoroughbred trainer whose career bridges the finest traditions of French horsemanship and elite American racing.

Based at the Fair Hill Training Center in Maryland, Delacour has built a reputation as a thoughtful and strategic conditioner of top-level racehorses. His standout success includes A.P. Indian, a multiple Grade 1–winning sprinter, and the French import Chez Pierre, who delivered a memorable upset victory in the Grade 1 Maker’s Mark Mile at Keeneland in 2023, defeating Breeders’ Cup champion Modern Games.

A native of Normandy, France, Delacour began his career under legendary French trainer Alain de Royer-Dupré before moving to the United States, where he spent seven years as an assistant to Christophe Clément. His work reflects the precision, patience, and deep respect for the horse that define French training philosophy.

Arnaud works closely with his wife, Leigh Delacour, an accomplished trainer in her own right. Leigh holds a trainer’s license and previously spent nearly a decade working with renowned trainer Graham Motion, making their operation a true partnership built on experience, insight, and shared passion for the sport.

At A Sunday at the Races, guests will have the rare opportunity to hear directly from Arnaud as he shares his journey, his approach to training, and his perspective on the global world of Thoroughbred racing.

What to Expect

• 🐎 Live Thoroughbred Racing at Tampa Bay Downs
• 🏟 Private VIP Box Access with premium views of the track
• 🇫🇷 French Cultural Spotlight on equine tradition and training
• 🎤 Exclusive Talk & Q&A with Arnaud Delacour
• 🥂 Food & Refreshments in a relaxed, social setting
• 🤝 Networking & Community with fellow Tampa Sister Cities supporters

This event is designed to be social, educational, and memorable—perfect for members, guests, and anyone with an interest in culture, sports, or international exchange.

Why It Matters

Events like A Sunday at the Races are more than just an afternoon out—they support Tampa Sister Cities’ mission of fostering global understanding, cultural exchange, and international relationships that strengthen our community.

Your participation helps sustain programs, exchanges, and partnerships that connect Tampa to the world.

Reserve Your Spot

Space is limited for this exclusive VIP experience.

We look forward to welcoming you trackside for an afternoon of culture, conversation, and competition—à la française.

• Member Price $75
• Guest Price $80