Trotting races in Mallorca: tradition and excitement at the racecourses
Mallorca is not only known for its beaches and Mediterranean landscapes. The island also preserves deeply-rooted traditions, and one of the most intriguing is trotting racing. At Mallorca’s racecourses, this popular spectacle—which combines speed, a family atmosphere and a passion for the world of horses—is still experienced with great enthusiasm.
What is a trotting horse?
This word comes from the verb ‘to trot’ and refers to a horse that, to go fast, does not have to gallop but rather, precisely that, trot. And therein lies the difficulty, because instinctively, what the horse wants to do is gallop.
Origin
It appears that trotting races emerged in the 19th century, simultaneously in France and the United States. Today, the sport is practised in several European countries, in some parts of the Americas, and also in Australia and New Zealand.
Trotter, types of horse
Although in the world of dogs the differences between breeds are much more obvious, horses can also have completely different characteristics and uses. So, to be a good trotter, not only is special training required, but there are also certain breeds that are much more suited to the task. The most commonly used are the American Standardbred and the French Trotter. In Spain, cross-breeding is also carried out using one of these two breeds.
What are the races like?
This sport involves a trotter pulling a cart with two narrow wheels (known as a ‘sulky’), on which the driver sits. The tracks are oval-shaped, usually between 600 and 1000 metres in length.
There are several formats, but the start is usually controlled by a car with mobile barriers at the rear which, after moving slowly, accelerates at a certain point, allowing the horses to run freely.
There are short-distance races (1 mile – 1,609 metres), middle-distance races (between 2,000 and 2,600 metres) and long-distance races (between 2,600 and 4,000 metres).
Where to watch races? Racecourses in Mallorca
There are some highly prestigious races at international level, particularly in France and the United States, but also in other European countries.
Here in the Balearic Islands, there is a large following and several venues where you can enjoy these competitions. In Mallorca, the racecourses at Son Pardo in Palma and Manacor. In Menorca, those at Mahón and Ciudadela. And in Ibiza, the San Rafael racecourse.
The atmosphere at the trotting races
It’s bustling, cheerful and fun, the perfect place to have a good time. Whilst the trotting horse owners take meticulous care of their horses, their families and friends chat animatedly on the terraces. It’s a lively atmosphere that becomes truly exciting as the race begins: all the fans cheer and shout for their favourite, hoping they’ll be the winner and perhaps… the season’s grand champion!
Let’s go to the races!
Here’s a different plan for a Friday or Saturday: head to one of the racecourses on our islands, sit on one of the terraces and, whilst watching the horses race, enjoy a nice cold beer or, if you fancy it, have something to eat.
Of course, if you’re looking for a bit more excitement, be sure to pop over to the betting counter and pick your winning horse. You’re sure to experience the races with much more intensity this way, and if you’re lucky… you might even walk away with a bit of extra cash!!
Horse-drawn cart races are part of the authentic, down-to-earth side of Mallorca, which still preserves many of its traditions and its unique way of enjoying leisure time.
After the races, you might fancy going for lunch or dinner at a traditional Mallorcan wine cellar. Click the link to read about this traditional Mallorcan restaurant: Mallorcan celler