What is the White Turf?
White Turf is an annual horse race and is high on the list of all keen racegoers. The horse racing includes not just the 1,300m sprint but flat races over other distances as well. The harness races give riders 1,700m to demonstrate their skill all on a snowy track. Not to forget Skijoring, the main attraction!
The event is so unusual, held on a frozen lake in the gorgeous setting of St Moritz, Switzerland, a top ski resort in the Engadine Mountains.
It’s a classy affair, set in a stunning setting with an expansive tent village on a frozen Lake. Whilst providing not only top-notch horse racing, gourmet food, and live music with plenty of glitz and glamour.
What does the White Turf offer in St Moritz, Switzerland?
The White Turf offers a unique racing experience with a thrilling combination of horse and harness racing plus the fascinating Skijoring. Certainly, a race not to be missed. The tented village offers delicious food, live music, and entertainment, is family-friendly with an opportunity to shop.
What is Skikjoring?
Skikjoring is an unorthodox horse race where unsaddled Thoroughbred racehorses pull their riders on skis. The horses travel over a 2,700-long track at speeds of up to 50km/h. The jockeys must be experienced Skiers and be physically fit with a daredevil attitude. It is a unique race with the crowd cheering and the only one of its kind and exclusive to the White Turf. The Jockey and horse who collect the most points over the three Sundays will claim the title of “King of the Engadine”.
Who attends the White turf?
The White Turf attracts over 30,000 spectators annually and is on all race lovers’ social calendars. It also attracts the real glitz and glamorous people. It is also about the race-horse owners, trainers and jockeys from all over the world, who meet here as well as the locals. The event attracts horses from all over Europe with lucrative prize money on offer.
When is it held and where?
The event is held annually on three Sundays in February. The White Turf is held at the Rennverein White Turf, St. Moritz, Via Serlas 23, 7500 St. Moritz, Switzerland
If you want to learn more or thinking of going on such an adventure contact Snaffle Travel at info@snaffletravel.com.au
© Photos and information courtesy of Switzerland Tourism and the White Turf event
