Horse racing is a sport that has achieved huge popularity across the globe. In Europe, racing is most popular in nations such as the United Kingdom, France and Ireland, but it also has a die-hard community of fans in Spain.
Despite lacking many of the top-class horses in training, there are a lot of engaging events throughout the racing calendar in the nation.
Those include prestigious graded stakes races, which are among the most lucrative for connections of talented runners.
Find more information about horse racing calendar here: https://www.twinspires.com/edge/racing/betting-info/horse-racing/
So, what are some of the biggest events on the horse racing schedule in Spain?
Perhaps the most iconic race to be held in Spain annually comes in the form of the Gran Premio de Madrid.
This race is staged annually at Hipodrome de la Zarzuela, with colts and fillies aged three and older competing over a distance of 2,500 metres. The first race of its description was staged in 1881, with Hipodromo de la Castellana playing host.
However, the modern format for the race was believed to have been established in 1919. A storied history has followed the race, and it was once scrapped from the schedule in 1994 after La Zarzuela went bankrupt.
But, it made its long-awaited return to the calendar in 2006 following a 13-year hiatus. Nowadays, it is held on the last Sunday in June.
Like in the United States and United Kingdom, Spain also has a Triple Crown series for horses aged three that are run throughout the season.
The Classics kick off with the Premier Cimera, also known as the Spanish 2,000 Guineas. Fillies aged three will compete in the Premio Valderas, which is the Spanish 1,000 Guineas. However, the two most important Classics of the season come in the form of the Premio Villapadierna and Premier Beamonte, which are the Spanish Derby and Spanish Oaks.
The Classic season also includes the prestigious Premio Villamejor, which is run by horses aged three over an extended distance. The race is staged annually at Hipodromo de la Zarzuela, with the field competing over a distance of 2,400 metres.
As has traditionally been the case in U.S. and UK Triple Crowns, it is rare that a Spanish trained horse aims for success in all Classics that they are eligible for in a season.
A bucket-list event for many horse racing fans comes in the form of the scenic and spectacular action of Sanlucar racing. The beaches in the province of Cadiz come alive with equine stars competing on the unlike terrain, and it is has proven to be a tourist attraction for many looking to visit the region.
Racing on the beaches in Cadiz take place on the second and fourth weeks in August, with equine stars in action between Friday and Sunday on both meets. Unlike other major horse racing events, the dates of the racing could change, depending in tide times.
As one of the most unique racing events in Europe, it has been a popular sporting occasions for those that live around and outside of Spain. Sanlucar racing dates back to 1845 when the Sociedad de Carreras de Ceballos de Sanlucar de Barrameda was introduced.
The closest comparison that can be drawn to racing on the beaches in Spain can be taken from the must-see events staged at Laytown on the Irish calendar.
While racing in Spain remains very popular, there have been countless occasions of horses being trained in the country that have later targeted esteemed races elsewhere in Europe.
Synergy was trained in Madrid by Yan Durepaire. She was over $180,000 in prize money during her career, and amassed a cult following among racing fans in her home country. Her biggest victory would be achieved as a four-year-old in France, winning the G3 Prix File de l’Air.
An unlikely success story out of Spain came in the form of Royal Gait. The British-bred runner achieved success on the flat, before being sent over jumps in France. One of his most famous victories would be controversially removed after the runner was disqualified from the Ascot Gold Cup after crossing the line first.
A result that many still describe as ‘difficult to believe’. He would achieve further success in the UK after being sent over hurdles, which included famously winning the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in 1992. In doing so, he became the first novice to win the race since Doorknocker in 1956.
Equiano is largely regarded as one of the most successful horses trained in France, upsetting the odds on countless occasions to win major graded races. Among those included two victories in the G1 King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot, as well as victories in the Abernant Stakes and Palace House Stakes.
