DAMAN^AUGUST/SEPTEMBER2019169“When you’re
actually in the
middle of the
crowds along
the tracks, you
can actually
feel the thrum
of the crowd”
The Mademoiselle Diane par Longines
competition; Longines Vice Preseident Charles
Villoz, Simon Baker and Longines Vice President
of Marketing Matthieu Baumgartner
Opposite page Riders thundering down the
finish line
ladies attending the race. From simple floral
headpieces to elaborate creations featuring
bouquets of flowers, huge feathers and even
wire sculpture, the parade of hats all over the
racecourse has become an inseparable part of the
storied event. Quite a few of these ladies would
then compete in the Mademoiselle Diane par
Longines, with the winner receiving a Longines
watch presented by Longines Ambassador of
Elegance Simon Baker.
All of this—from the picnicking families
to the various stages and the ladies with their
hats—is then presented against the imposing
Musée Vivant du Cheval or the Living Museum
of the Horse just along the northern edge of the
racetrack, along with the Château de Chantilly
and its iconic Great Stables in the background.
A Day at the Races
Of course, the focal point of a race day like the
Prix de Diane Longines are the races, and even
for the uninitiated attendee—such as yours
truly—the experience can be quite thrilling.
While moving around the venue, you might
catch a glimpse or two of horses being led
around by their grooms in the pre-parade ring
as they warm up. Seasoned racegoers would also
take the chance to judge each horse’s fitness
before they are saddled. About 15 minutes
before a race, the horses, in all their livery, are
shown off in the parade ring. And then it’s time
to see the actual race.
When the horses start to assemble near the
starting gate, everybody flocks to the course.
As the excitement reaches a fever pitch the
gates slam open and the horses thunder across
the track to the cheering of hundreds, if not
thousands, of spectators. When you’re actually in
the middle of the crowds along the tracks, you
can actually feel the thrum of the crowd, and as
the horses make their final dash for the finish
line, the roar of “Allez! Allez! Allez!” becomes
deafening. Obviously, the loudest shouts came
from those who literally have money riding on
the races. Betting has been part of horse races
since time immemorial and it was no different
that day at Chantilly, with some betting for
fun—the minimum bet is just 2 euros—while
others wager more substantial amounts. Those
attending the Prix de Diane with more than just
having fun in mind would definitely be most
appreciative of accurate timekeeping.
Then, as the clock struck four, it was time for
the highlight of the day, the actual Prix de Diane
Longines. Take all the clamor and commotion
of the previous races and double it—that’s how
it felt alongside the track before the 2,100 meter
race was about to start and the 16 horses were
pushed into the starting gate. In the end, it
was Channel ridden by Pierre Charles-Boudot
that won the day. Besides the substantial cash
prize, the winning team also received elegant
timepieces presented by representatives from
Longines together with Simon Baker.The 170th Prix de Diane Longines then
went on well into the evening with another
five races and the seemingly endless festivities
spread across the grounds. It was, as a whole, an
unforgettable day—one that combined precision
and performance, merriment and elegance, the
human spirit and technical excellence. All of
which, in hindsight, are qualities also shared by
Longines, both as a patron of equestrian events
along with many other sports and as a maker of
elegantly fine timepieces.