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    Monday, February 23

    Horses and Beaches: A Match Made in Heaven

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    You don’t need to be a fan of horse racing to know there is something magical about seeing a racehorse galloping along a beach. But why do many trainers choose the beach as an exercise ground for their horse? And did you know that there are still horse races held on beaches? We look at the history and tradition of beach riding.

    Southport’s famous beach racer

    It is well known that the UK’s favourite racehorse, Red Rum, spent much of his time running along Southport Beach with its trainer, Ginger McCain. The horse is part of the town’s history, having won the Grand National at nearby Aintree three times in the 1970s, a record that still stands today. However, one recent runner came closer than most.

    Tiger Roll nearly defied the odds when he won at Aintree in 2018 and 2019, becoming the first horse since Red Rum to win back-to-back Nationals. However, he could not equal the record after withdrawing from the 2021 edition of the race.

    Meanwhile, 2022 winner Noble Yeats looks set to attempt to become the second runner since Red Rum to win two Grand Nationals in a row. He is the early 20/1 favourite in the horse racing odds to win the race again in 2023. Noble Yeats was the youngest National winner since 1940, leading many to believe he could mount a serious challenge to Red Rum’s record. Maybe he should take a leaf out of Red Rum’s book and head to the beach for some training.

    A Spanish tradition

    Beaches are not just used for training. Many famous horse race events are also hosted on beaches. One of the most spectacular races is held in Sanlucar de Barrameda, near Jerez de la Frontera in the province of Cadiz, Spain. The official race meeting dates to 1845 and takes place in August each year, attracting crowds from all over the world. Races vary between 1.4km and 1.8km (nine furlongs) and are open to thoroughbred mares aged three years old and over. The races are free to attend and form part of the August fiesta.

    Laytown racecourse in Ireland

    Ireland also hosts beach racing at the Laytown Racecourse in County Meath, 26 miles from the country’s capital Dublin. The first race occurred in 1868, and it remains the only beach race in Ireland run under the Rules of Racing. Races are held in September on the Strand Course over six and seven furlongs. Over 5000 visitors attend every year for this unique event on the island.


    Training on the beach

    Training horses on the beach can be good for the well-being of the animals. The sand is low impact, making it good for their joints and tendons. This is especially beneficial for horses who are recovering from injury. Horses also like to run in the shallow water, which is a great strength and conditioning exercise. The water is also good for the muscles and skin, offering a massage effect.

    A trip to the beach is also fun for the horse and jockey and helps both to relax away from the busy racetrack and stable environments. Standard training can become repetitive, so a day at the beach can help achieve higher performance levels by stimulating the horse and making training more enjoyable.

    Whether it’s training or racing, horses just seem naturally at home on the sand. And it is a wonderful way to witness the grace and beauty of these creatures in action.