Riding into the sunset: Sanlúcar de Barrameda reveals its legendary Horse Racing scene
The Sanlúcar de Barrameda Horse Races in Cádiz, Spain, are set to return for another year, marking one of the oldest beach horse races in Europe. These traditional races, deeply rooted in local culture and maritime history, will take place on the sandy beaches of Sanlúcar from August 5 to 7, 2025.
The event will feature four races, each with a unique charm and excitement. The first race, the Premio Las Dunas Shopping, is reserved for amazons and 'gentlemen' and offers a prize of 9,350 euros. This race will be run over a distance of 1,800 meters.
Following the first race, there will be a short break before the second race, the Premio Grupo Indeso, commences. This race has a prize of 7,650 euros and will be run over a distance of 1,400 meters. The third race of the afternoon is the Premio Banco Sabadell, with a prize of 8,500 euros. This race will feature ten participating horses and will be run over a distance of 1,600 meters. The final race of the day, the Premio Dexter, is endowed with 7,650 euros in prizes and will be contested by eleven horses over a distance of 1,600 meters.
Renowned stables such as Mallow Gran Canaria, Los Niños, La Mata, Soñador, Tinerfe, Díaz Ramos, Puerto Lucero, Oro Molino, and Manuela will participate in the races. The international field includes jockeys like Vaclav Janacek from the Czech Republic, Ricardo Sousa from Portugal, and Nico Valle from Argentina, as well as Jaime Gelabert, Nicolás de Julián, Cristina Pérez, and Denisa Sikorová. Local jockeys such as Diego Sarabia, Pablo Laborde, and Sara Horcajada will also compete.
The races transform the beach of Las Piletas into an ephemeral hippodrome, offering spectators a unique experience. Visitors can watch from promenade boardwalks, grandstands (for a fee), or freely along the beach, where the vibrant atmosphere includes local betting stalls run by children and beach bars.
The Sanlúcar de Barrameda Horse Races are not only a historic sporting event but also a cherished cultural celebration that showcases the rich equestrian and maritime heritage of this Andalusian town by the sea. The event is declared of International Tourist Interest and is a highlight of Sanlúcar’s summer cultural calendar, drawing many tourists to this historic port city located at the mouth of the Guadalquivir River, near the Natural Park of Doñana.
Additional festive activities often coincide with the races, including pony rides, horse-drawn carriage tours of the town, and lively nightlife with fairs and stalls close to the beach. The Sanlúcar de Barrameda Horse Races are a testament to the enduring spirit of tradition, sport, and community in this charming coastal town.
During the Sanlúcar de Barrameda Horse Races, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of this coastal town. After the races, they can participate in additional festive activities such as pony rides and horse-drawn carriage tours, or enjoy the lively nightlife with fairs and stalls near the beach. The races, with their international field of renowned jockeys and participating stables, also showcase the prestigious sports heritage of Sanlúcar de Barrameda.
