Discover a local passion for horse racing in Mallorca
If you have a passion for wild racehorses or are simply curious about horse racing in Mallorca, expert Allan Loft has visited the race track in Palma. Allan, the former chairman of the “Association of Harness and Gallop Journalists in Denmark,” has written extensively about harness racing for decades.
In this article, Allan will not only discuss horse racing in Mallorca but also share insights into the Danish connections to this sport on the holiday island.
Rent a car in Mallorca and explore the thrilling horse racing scenes in Palma and Manacor.
Please take a moment to watch the brief presentation in the video below:
Horse Racing: A Way of Life for the Balearic People
Mallorca boasts two racetracks: Hipodróme de Son Pardo, located 3.5 km outside Palma’s center, and Hippodrome de Manacor. Interestingly, all three major Balearic islands—Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza—have their own racetracks.
While harness racing may not be a major sport throughout Spain, it holds significant cultural importance on the Balearic Islands. Here, harness racing is not just a sport but a way of life for locals and an attraction for many tourists.
Where to Experience Horse Racing in Mallorca
Mallorca’s two primary racetracks are Hipodróme de Son Pardo and Hippodrome de Manacor. During our visit, entrance was free. If you’re considering attending a race, visit the common website for the harness race tracks to check the schedule.
Mallorca’s local government, in association with Spanish horse racing organizations l’Esport HÃpic and Federació Balear de Trote, oversees the sport on the island. With over 700 foal mares and approximately 400 foals born each year, Mallorca supports a vibrant community of around 1,200 active harness riders.
Horse Racing in Palma and “Gran Premi Nacional”
The Son Pardo track in Palma, with a capacity for up to 12,000 spectators, is the main venue for the Balearic Islands’ horse racing events. It hosts Spain’s biggest horse race, the Gran Premi Nacional, which celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2023.
First held in 1934, the Gran Premi Nacional has a recent prize pool of 100,000 euros, with 46,000 euros awarded to the winner. In addition to the cash prize, the 2023 winner received an original sculpture by Miguel Sarasate, a renowned artist who has lived in Mallorca for many years. The prize was presented by the Minister of Tourism and Sport, Andreu Serra, who highlighted the importance of the event for horse enthusiasts in the Balearic Islands.
The Gran Premi Nacional, often referred to as the “Spanish Derby,” is reserved for the best three-year-old Spanish-born racehorses and holds a prestigious status similar to Scandinavian derby races.
More about horse racing in Mallorca after the Video section
Video (will be updated)
The History of Horse Racing in Mallorca
Horse racing in Mallorca dates back to 1903, with the first organized races on a makeshift track. By 1908, the first official track was established. The Societat Hipica de Mallorca, founded in 1917, became the central federation for harness racing and other equestrian sports. The Bons Aires track, established around this time, was later expanded and became the venue for the first Gran Premi Nacional in 1934.
Despite a decline in the 1980s, local government intervention helped preserve and even expand harness racing, benefiting both residents and tourists.
Danish Connections to Horse Racing in Mallorca
Over the years, many Danish racehorses have competed on Mallorca’s tracks. Danish trainers and jockeys have also left their mark, with Jens Ipsen and Olaf Wager among the few foreign winners of the Gran Premi Nacional. Ipsen, originally from Bornholm, won the race three times, while Wager triumphed in 1968.
Danish travel entrepreneur Jan Tunow, who also trained horses at the Son Pardo track, played a pivotal role in connecting Danish horse racing with Mallorca. Another notable figure, Jens Chr. Bligaard, settled in Mallorca from 1990 to 2004, managing a large stable and running a successful nightclub on the outskirts of Palma.
A big and heartfelt thank you to Allan Loft for sharing his knowledge of horse racing in Mallorca and for his visit to the race track in the stunning city of Palma.
All photos for the article Horse Racing in Mallorca: Palmallorca.com – Mallorca Community
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