To revive the tradition of mule racing strongly anchored for 80 years in Sainte-Marie and help its perpetuation, a tripartite agreement was signed between the Regional Natural Park of Martinique (PNRM), the city and the association Les sabots dans le sable de Sainte-Marie. Thus, every year, on the beach of Sainte Marie in Martinique is held within the framework of the patronal festival the Horse Race which attracts on August 15th a public made of enthusiasts, tourists, amateurs, often coming in great number from the four corners of the island. The person in charge of the horse race is Mr. Patrick Bilvin. One can see races of Thoroughbred, Half-blood, Pony and Mule, in these races which take place precisely on the beach in edge of sea of the commune. These events take place over 2 days during the month of August, and the most popular day is August 15. Prizes are awarded notably for the mule race, labeled Grand Prix du Parc, and the other races of Thoroughbred, Halfbred, Pony are under the responsibility of the city and the sponsors ADN and ALIMA two food stores which are in Trinité, and all this is perfectly organized.
We are on the beach, far from Carrère in Lamentin, from its mowed track, well marked out and sanitized, far from the punters installed in the stands. Here we jostle each other. We want to see. The race is popular, it starts at 3 pm sharp. There are no entry tickets, nor parades for future models, but the jockeys have their outfit which is the color of the stable they represent, as well as their helmet and their obligatory protective vest
