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| The famous horse races on the beaches of San Lucar de Barrameda. |
HORSE RACING
by Saskia Mier
Horse racing is not the most popular equestrian sport in Spain, let alone Andalucia, but it has a following. Andalusia has a number of racecourses that hold events throughout the year. You will find that the horses in the Andalucian racing scene are probably different to those seen in the UK, Ireland, France and America, especially in the physical aspect. You will notice that they are much smaller in stature, and perhaps it's also fair to say that the fitness levels are not the same.
It would be advisable to contact each racetrack to find out about events as they are not widely advertised, apart from the famous beach races at Sanlúcar de Barrameda.
Sanlucar Beach
Horse racing along the seaside town's famous beach during two weekends in August (Thursday to Sunday). Now an international event with horses from other European countries taking part and many famous names amongst the spectators, the August races began way back when fishermen used to ride with their catch from their boats at one end of the shore to the Port's market at the other end. More>
Dos Hermanas
Gran Hipódromo de Andalucía Javier Piñar Haffnerr race course at Dos Hermanas, south of near Seville. Adress is Avenida de las Universidades, s/n. Dos Hermanas, Sevilla. The grass race track is 2.000m long and 28m wide. There ase also sand tracks for training.
Races traditionally took place every fortnight on Thursday evenings spring and autumn. However the 2023/24 season is 26th Novemeber 2023 to 28th February 2024. Events announced so far are Sundays at 11.30 hrs. More info granhipodromodeandalucia.es
Entance and Parking free. There are also one hour guided tours of the instalations. Cost 10€.
Hipodromo, Mijas Mijas Costa
There is a horse racing circuit and complex at the Hipodromo Costa del Sol in Mijas Costa, racing has not been held since 2013. more>
Chapin Sports Complex
There was also a race course in Jerez de la Frontera at the Chapin sports complex just to the east of the city centre. It was here where the 2002 World Equestrian Games were held. There is a hipo-centre here.
Seville Racecourse
Seville has a racecourse is at the Club Hipico Peneda, The hipo-centre is active and the course is used for training. Located on Avenida de Jerez.