The traditional horse races on the beach of Sanlúcar de Barrameda will be held again in the summer of 2023. This year’s event will reach its 178th edition. Every year, it is expected to attract thousands of visitors in August.
As well as being an exciting competition, this event is also a cultural celebration that includes music, food, drink and other entertainment. The festive atmosphere in the unique setting of these riding events has made them a beloved and respected tradition in the region, and one of the most important events of its kind in Spain.
When are the Horse Races on the beach in Sanlúcar de Barrameda?
The Real Sociedad de Carreras de Caballos de Sanlúcar has approved the dates for the races, adapting as usual to the tidal calendar of Cádiz to ensure a good track on the wet sand.
The first cycle will take place from the 10th to the 12th of August, while the second will be from the 25th to the 27th of the same month.
The times coincide with low tide, which allows the thoroughbreds to gallop along the beach with plenty of shore. The show starts at sunset, and the horses compete in more than 20 races throughout each cycle.
More than 80 horses will take part in the unique natural racecourse on the beaches of Sanlúcar, between Bajo de la Guía and Las Piletas. The enclosure organised by the Society at the finish line allows betting by watching the races from the grandstands or directly from the beach itself.
In addition to the power of the horses, the attraction of these races lies in the incomparable setting. The horses gallop under a sunset with Doñana in the background and the historic city of Sanlúcar de Barrameda as a backdrop.
Where are the Horse Races held in Sanlúcar?
Sanlúcar de Barrameda, the gastronomic capital of Spain in 2022, offers the beauty of its beaches. The history of the horse-racing tradition in Sanlúcar dates back to the 19th century when the aristocracy summered in this seaside town and the fishermen organised horse races on the wet sands, although it seems that they were more about endurance than speed.
Over time, these competitions have gained in prestige and variety. Today there are events for professional jockeys, amateurs and horsewomen. The Royal Horseracing Society, founded in 1981, is responsible for organising this great spectacle.
Sanlúcar de Barrameda, a key town in the competition
Sanlúcar de Barrameda is a town in the province of Cádiz located on the banks of the Guadalquivir River and is known for its fine wine, tuna with onions, prawns and beaches. It is also known for being the place from where Christopher Columbus set sail for the Americas.
Thanks to the popular race, Sanlúcar de Barrameda is also a popular destination for equestrian tourism.
As an additional activity for those who come to watch the races, there are several companies that offer horseback riding in Sanlúcar de Barrameda. Rides can last from an hour to all day and can take visitors through the vineyards, beaches and surrounding countryside. Horse riding is a great way to see the surrounding countryside and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Where can I watch horse racing?
The beaches of Sanlúcar are the oldest and most natural racecourse in Spain, but the races can also be followed on television. Movistar Plus+ will broadcast the events exclusively, offering extensive news coverage and live broadcasts of the main races.
In addition, Loterías y Apuestas del Estado includes the Sanlúcar Horse Races for the eighth consecutive year in its national betting calendar, with two days of Lototurf on 10 and 25 August.
When is the second cycle of the Sanlúcar de Barrameda Horse Races?
The second cycle of the Sanlúcar Horse Races will take place from 25th to 27th August, when the tide is expected to be low enough for the race to take place on the sandy beach.
When do the Horse Races in Sanlúcar de Barrameda end?
The Horse Races will end on 27th August with the celebration of the second cycle. On that weekend the last races will be held on the beaches of Sanlúcar, when thousands of spectators are expected to attend.
