Sanlucar de Barrameda - Racing On Sand Since 1845!

Although horse racing on sand is relatively new to the British Horse Racing calendar Spain, by comparison, every year since 1845, in the second and fourth weeks of August, the beaches of Sanlucar play host to the Sanlucar de Barrameda horse races.

The event attracts people from all over the continent and beyond. The event has been staged informally for years by locals who raced the horses they used for transporting fish from local ports and has now become one of the most important fiestas in the region.

In 1981, the Sociedad de Carreras de Caballos de Sanlucar reformed and took back the reigns (excuse the pun) of the annual races. The event is now better organised than ever and the Sanlucar Horse Races are now part of a national series of equine events that include Madrid, San Sebastian and Seville.

The attraction to participate is of no surprise with total prize monies running between €2,000,000 and €3,000,000 with race winnings running from a few hundred to up to €10,000. Also no surprise in seeing the odd British horse taking its chances.

The event is so well supported by spectators it is practically impossible to find accommodation in the region in the run up to the events unless you book well in advance.  Arriving early afternoon is also advisable if you want a good vantage point for the races which start around 18:00.