Free horse races in a unique setting
Welcome to an exceptional location: a temporary hippodrome on the beach of De Haan. Discover the world of horseracing.
Some 40 horses, from the best stables in Belgium, will be at the start of ‘short track trotting competitions’ at the beginning of April. These are a series of fast, professional races at the trot – faster than the walk, but slower than the canter. The horses each run in pairs a 280-meter long sprint over a straight line on the beach. They are not ridden, but spurred on by the colourful drivers on their light carts (sulky’s) behind the horse. Spread over two days, more than 60 races will take place off the coastline of De Haan.
TIDES
The temporary hippodrome is completely dependent on ebb and flow. As quickly as the hippodrome comes to life, it disappears again under the rising seawater. The tides determine the timing of the construction of the track and of the horse races themselves. A real challenge for the organisation! In other words, the schedule is not 100% final, but the races are theoretically scheduled between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
OFFICIAL MATCH
The horse races are part of the official competition program, supported by the Belgian Federation of Horse Racing.
BOOKMAKER
For the general public, the Pop-Hippodrome is a unique opportunity to experience the excitement and passion surrounding horse racing. According to tradition, visitors will be able to bet at bookmakers, or ‘bookies’. They have historically always been present along a racecourse. They can therefore not be missed on the beach of De Haan! We imagine that with your bet of 2 or 5 euros you will suddenly find the race between Fleming Casindra and Victorius Lord very exciting?