Sanlucar Horse Races
The Sanlucar Horse Races or "Carreras de Caballos" take place in August on
the beach at Sanlúcar de Barrameda near Jerez de la Frontera in Andalucia.
Officially these famous horse races have been taking place since 1845 but in
actual fact they were happening way before that. It was in 1845 that the
Sociedad de Carreras de Caballos de Sanlúcar de Barrameda was established thus
making the races the first ever regulated horse races in the whole of Spain.
However, long before the races were officially recognised there is evidence that
much more informal races took place along the sands between the owners of
working horses which were used to transport fish from the port to local towns
and markets.
Enjoy the Race ...
Nowadays, August sees two separate three day events in
Sanlúcar that each attract thousands of spectators to this charming little town
which lies on the estuary of the River Guadalquivir overlooking the Doñana
National Park. You can check this year's races dates on the official
Sanlucar
Horse Races website.
Even without the horses Sanlúcar is a charming place to visit.
Historically, it served as the setting off point for the expeditions of Columbus
in 1498 and Magellan in 1519 and is well known as part of the famous "Sherry
Triangle" along with Jerez de la Frontera and El Puerto de Santa Maria. Visitors
should head down to the riverside at Bajo de Guía where there are some superb
restaurants offering local seafood delicacies which you can enjoy with a glass
of manzanilla as the sun goes down over Doñana.
Such a peaceful scene
hardly exists in Sanlúcar on race days as thousands swarm there to watch the
races. There are still many small 'casitas' along the beaches providing the
manzanilla but it is all a little like Epsom on Derby Day – a real social mix
and full of people having enormous amounts of fun. The Sanlúcar Horse Races
attract horses, riders and spectators from all over Europe. There are two race
meetings about a fortnight apart with the dates depending on the tide timetables
for August. Official and unofficial bookies also show up on the beach to offer
punters the chance to place bets on the races which adds to quite a unique horse
racing experience. The events form part of the town's annual festival in honour
of Nuestra Señora de la Caridad Coronada, Sanlúcar’s patron saint.
Races
begin at 6.00am on the long, flat southern sands at low tide. Riders wear
traditional colours and caps and the races are run over distances ranging
between 1.2km and 2km. Prize money over the meeting amounts to several million
euros, with winnings for each race ranging from a few hundred to several
thousand. The biggest prize goes to the winner of the 'Gran Premier Ciudad de
Sanlúcar' which takes place on the final day of racing over a 2km course.
It is estimated that somewhere in the region of 50,000 spectators assemble
on the beaches to enjoy the races so if you're thinking of attending this unique
Spanish fiesta you'll need to book your accommodation well in advance. There are
a few hotels in Sanlúcar de Barrameda itself but it might be simpler looking for
somewhere in Jerez, Cádiz or El Puerto de Santa Maria – there are plenty buses
which transport people to the races. You'll also need to get there early to
claim your place on the beach as everywhere gets packed. Maybe enjoy an early
morning sherry or two while you're waiting for the racing to start. And keep
your eyes open for the King of Spain who is the President of the Racing Club and
a frequent visitor.
Useful Information:
Official
Website of Sanlucar Horse Races
Sanlucar de Barrameda Information
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