Here in the Balearic Islands the sport of trotting, races between horses pulling lightweight carts carrying the driver – called harness racing in some parts of the world – is quite a popular pastime. There are 5 hippodromes on the islands where the sport is actively practices, 2 in Mallorca, 2 in Menorca and here in Ibiza at San Rafael.
Races in Ibiza are held every Sunday and it's quite a day out for all concerned. The hippodrome opens at 11.00 and you can start placing your bets on the runners at 11.30, just to give a bit of added spice to the proceedings! The racing starts at 12.00 and there's a race every half an hour and there are usually between four and seven races every Sunday.
The Balearic Trotting Federation webpage gives details of the races, runners and previous results each week so you can study form before arriving in San Rafael!
If your flutter on the gee gees pays off you can spend your easy earned cash on a Sunday lunch in the Hip's restaurant – 3 courses for only €11. Come to think of it, you don't really need a big win with prices like that!
Giddy up everybody, see you there?
