What’s the best thing about horse racing? I would say that it is a sport that is present everywhere you go. It is truly one of a kind. Whether you go to the USA, South Africa, Australia, France, China, the UK, or Spain, you can find traces of horse racing in almost every city.

Even though most people connect Spain with bulls, they are not the only ones receiving all the action. We also have horses and some beautiful racecourses.

So, where is the best place to find horse racing action in Spain? Well, I’d first start with Madrid and the Hippodrome of Zarzuela. Okay, we might not be talking about a racecourse as popular as Churchill Downs, but that doesn’t mean that it is not worth the visit.

So, if you are planning your next trip to Madrid, let’s learn more about what makes the Hippodrome of Zarzuela so special.

The History Behind the Hippodrome of Zarzuela

It is important to highlight that we are talking about a racecourse with a rich history. This is a racecourse that replaced Hippodrome de la Castellana, which was one of the oldest racecourses in the country.

Although the old racecourse wasn’t something spectacular, it is still responsible for carrying the sport throughout history and maintaining its popularity. But it was old, outdated, and needed a fresh look.

That’s why in 1930 it was demolished and redeveloped as office buildings. Quite sad if you ask me.

But we have the birth of the new Hippodrome of Zarzuela, which is designed to replace the old one that was lost to history. Judging from the result, I’d say that this is a sad story with a happy ending.

Why?

Well, the new one (Hippodrome of Zarzuela) is truly a marvelous piece of architecture that speaks about what horse racing as a sport is about. The main architects behind this masterpiece (Martin Domingues Esteban and Carlos Arniches Molto) have been collaborating since the 1920s. But for this project, they had a secret ace in their pocket.

They were joined by Eduardo Torroja, who was a pioneer in the design of concrete shell structures. This is where the iconic roof on the Hippodrome of Zarzuela was born. I think it is one of the most beautiful racecourse designs in the world.

However, the building of the new racecourse wasn’t without its problems. The Hippodrome of Zarzuela was almost complete in 1936, but there was the Spanish Civil War, which not only delayed its competition but also did a lot of damage to it.

But that didn’t stop them from completing the project, which was finished in 1941.

Architecture

Clearly, the iconic architecture of this racecourse is what makes it special. In other words, we are not talking about a racecourse that is only for horse racing lovers. What’s the best way to experience a new city? Well, its architecture and the Hippodrome of Zarzuela is the perfect spot to be in Madrid.

The grandstand and its roof are the things that make this racecourse so special. It is made from concrete and looks like a single piece. The entire racecourse is painted in white, and I would say without any hesitation, this is one of the most beautiful racecourses I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen quite a lot.

We are talking about a masterpiece mostly designed by Eduardo Torroja that is now recognized as an Asset of Cultural Interest.

So, horse racing enthusiasts are welcome here, but if you are a fan of history and never heard much about horse racing, you’ll still have fun.

When to Go?

Timing is everything, especially if you want to experience the best of what Zarzuela has to offer. Spring and autumn are prime racing seasons, with over 200 races spread across the year. The highlight? Champions' Day—this is where legends are made, with some races offering prize money as high as €102,000​!

If that’s not enough to pique your interest, check out the Gran Premio de Madrid, the grand finale of the spring season. Even if you're a total racing newbie, it’s impossible not to get caught up in the thrill when the crowd roars.

Seriously, who doesn't want to munch on Iberian ham while watching a horse race at night?

What About Betting?

Let’s talk money. Whether you're a first-time bettor or a seasoned gambler, the Hippodrome makes it easy to get in on the action. If you are a horse racing bettor, then there are plenty of ways to make a bet, especially if you catch some of the biggest races.

If you want to test your handicapper skills, we’d also suggest joining a horse racing handicapper tournament. Maybe as a warm-up session before a big race? Learn more on the link below: https://www.twinspires.com/tournaments/

Betting kiosks are scattered around, so you won’t miss your chance to win a few euros—if you're lucky, of course!

Is It Expensive?

Surprisingly, not at all! General admission is around €7 during the spring and autumn seasons and €12 during the summer. Kids under 14? They get in free when accompanied by an adult. Not bad for a full day of entertainment, right? Oh, and if you're visiting on a big event day, expect a slight bump in prices, but trust me, it's worth it​.