Kick-off of the festival celebrated horse enthusiasts and families, marking a promising commencement to the equestrian season.
During the Christ's Ascension holiday, the Iffezheim racecourse in Baden, Germany, welcomes visitors with a lively and enjoyable family-friendly atmosphere. Kicking off the new racing season, the spring meeting offers a mix of sun and clouds at early summer temperatures.
On the first day, potential buyers assess the performance capabilities of two-year-old racehorses at public trial gallops before the spring auction. As the "breeze-up" concludes, small groups of locals and families with children begin to meander across the expansive grounds from noon. Nine races are on offer for racing enthusiasts, with jockeys and their thoroughbreds already making their way along the laurel hedge in the lead.
A festival atmosphere prevails, extending beyond the racing action. The holiday is traditionally marked by families, and this year is no exception. The Badenische Versicherungen (BGV) and Baden Galopp collaborate to provide an extensive program for little guests and their parents. Long lines form at the beer wagon, while vendors offer an array of attractions, games, and crafts for every age group.
Race organizer Baden Galopp, in collaboration with Franz brewery, offers a free beer action to celebrate Father's Day. Visitors appreciate the gesture, with Andreas Ruther commenting, "It's a nice touch and a great start to Father's Day." Families with young children find ample entertainment in the children's land, where a colorful bouncy castle and Horst Jochim's game mobile provide endless fun.
Parents can watch their children play while they relax, as the little ones dart between various activity stations. Timo Fitterer notes, "The program offers something for every age - a perfect combination of sport and family festival." The highlight of the day is the traditional mascot race, with 15 colorful participants vying for victory on a 200-meter track.
In addition to the racing and family entertainment, the Baden Galopp Iffezheim Support Association hosts a race supporting grassroots sport, with the Association investing at least 100,000 euros annually in race prizes and breeder awards, particularly for races in lower categories. The association, founded in May 2021, now has over 500 members and offers guessing games and prizes for visitors throughout the event.
The Christ's Ascension holiday at the Iffezheim racecourse offers a unique blend of high-level horse racing, captivating family and children's day activities, a vibrant supporting program, and diverse culinary offerings, making it an engaging and memorable experience for all.
- The family-friendly atmosphere at the Iffezheim racecourse during the Christ's Ascension holiday extends to the offerings for little guests and their parents, with Badenische Versicherungen and Baden Galopp collaborating to provide an array of attractions, games, and crafts that cater to various age groups.
- Aside from the horse racing, the event emphasizes relationships and family dynamics, with a traditional mascot race providing entertainment for children. Meanwhile, the Baden Galopp Iffezheim Support Association hosts a race supporting grassroots sport, investing in race prizes and breeder awards, particularly for races in lower categories.
- Beyond the sports aspect, the holiday also embraces other lifestyle choices, as race organizer Baden Galopp, in partnership with Franz brewery, offers a free beer action to celebrate Father's Day, appreciated by visitors like Andreas Ruther who found it a great start to the day.
