When people think of Tenerife, they usually picture its volcanic landscapes, sun-drenched beaches, and possibly lots of restaurants, bars and clubs… but we’re pretty sure that horse racing isn’t the obvious thing that comes to mind. That being said, it does have a niche but very passionate following on the island.
Don’t expect the action and excitement that surrounds the latest Grand National or Cheltenham Gold Cup odds you’d find in the UK, but horse racing and horse racing betting in Tenerife comes with its own tradition and local charm.
The History of Horse Racing in Tenerife
Horse racing in Tenerife started out thanks to the Island’s agricultural heritage – where horses were mainly used for transportation and farming – and there were occasional informal races held during local festivals to entertain the masses and encourage a bit of friendly competition. These were community-driven events and they laid the groundwork for horse racing on the island.
Over time, people started to organise horse races – where the more enthusiastic islanders started to establish clubs and informal circuits. Although Tenerife never developed any large, professional racetracks, there were a number of smaller venues and open fields where informal races would be held.
The Island’s Racing Events and Venues
In Tenerife, it’s more of a local community sport compared to the grand-scale events you’d seen in other parts of Europe. Most of the horse racing events are held in rural towns and run on temporary tracks that have been set up on dirt roads or open fields, with the main one being in the town of Tacoronte, where there are yearly horse racing events during local fiestas.
Races are generally held during festivals to honour either patron saints or various other cultural celebrations… and they are usually fun, lively and laid back. Spectators line the tracks and cheer on the jockeys and their horses in a party atmosphere.
Unlike mainland Spain, where the racing scene is all about sharp and speedy thoroughbreds, Tenerife’s races usually include a mix of breeds, including Andalusians and crossbreeds that are perfect for the Island’s unique racing conditions. In general, it’s less about professional competition and more about community pride and camaraderie.
Training and Talent
When you compare it to other countries like the UK, France and Spain, it’s fair to say that the Training facilities in Tenerife are a lot more modest. You won’t necessarily find the elaborate stables and tracks you’d see elsewhere, but that’s not to say that the local horse trainers and jockeys aren’t dedicated to their craft. Lots of the riders come from farming families and they learn horsemanship from a young age – with techniques and traditions being passed down through the generations.
The races are usually short-distance sprints where it’s more about agility and speed rather than endurance – which is better for the horse’s natural abilities and the tricky island terrain. They train their horse for quicker bursts of energy and put a lot of focus on their health and well-being.
Challenges and Opportunities
While it’s charming and fun, horse racing on the island definitely has its challenges. Firstly, there’s limited funding and infrastructure, which means that, for now, there’s no way for it to get beyond the informal. Moreover, because of its location, it’s difficult to attract any attention and interest from overseas – and then there are various environmental concerns – like maintaining the island’s delicate ecosystems, that also make it difficult to host any bigger or more mainstream events.
However, there are still lots of opportunities for the sport to go and still keep its unique and appealing identity. Focussing on sustainable tourism could help – and the Island could use horse racing events to attract tourists who are interested in experiencing something a bit different in Tenerife – not just its beaches, clubs and resorts. There’s also the potential to team up with equestrian organisations who could potentially provide more support and help them develop better facilities and promote the sport that bit more.
A Holiday Hotspot for Equestrian Enthusiasts?
While horse racing in Tenerife doesn’t have the glamour of Ascot or the prestige of the Kentucky Derby, it’s still very special in its own way: it’s authentic, community-driven and all about tradition and local flavour. So, if you’re someone who wants to see this Canary Island from a different angle, go see a horse race and witness for yourself the island’s spirit of celebration.
