Switzerland has long been famous for its Alps, fine chocolate, Heidi, cow-bells and yodeling.
Now, it might not be too long before it also becomes known as another of Europe’s finest trotting bases.
When one thinks of European harness racing, France, Italy and the Scandinavian countries typically come to mind. The Elitloppe, Prix D’Amerique, and the Gran Premio Lotteria are across-the-pond events which are well known to most trotting enthusiasts in this country.
Nestled in the heart of Europe, however, and often ignored, is one country where the sport of harness racing has been growing by leaps and bounds in recent years.
Like the rest of Europe (except for the United Kingdom) Switzerland races only trotters—no pacers.
Horse racing was first organized in Switzerland in 1872, and the first trotting races were held in the resort town of St. Moritz, located in the canton of Graubünden, in 1906. (Switzerland has 26 cantons, which are similar to our counties).
Here, hordes of up to 30,000 of the elite, rich and famous gather each February to experience horse sports on the “White Turf.”
With the Alps surrounding them, trotters from throughout Europe and Switzerland compete annually on three consecutive afternoons in February over the frozen St.Moritzersee.
Sleigh runners are substituted for the standard sulky, allowing these diagonally gaited specialists and their decorative, snow-suit clad drivers to glide over the frozen, snow-covered surface with grace and ease.
The freezing temperatures ensure that the frozen lake is hardy enough to accommodate the horses and people who flock here.
Thoroughbred races are also held, as are the traditional “Skikjoring”races, where upwards of a dozen horses tow skiers one and five-eighths miles for a much sought-after trophy.
The 106th Anniversary of the White Turf will take place this weekend, and should be a grand occasion for the Swiss and visitors from around the world alike.
Comments