130 years, just imagine! That's how long these races have been run in Meran! On Easter Tuesday in 1896, my ancestors raced for the first time – then still in the centre of the town, on the meadow in front of the Grand Hotel Meraner Hof. What a spectacle for the fine spa guests! As it was so popular, from 1900 the races moved to the Meran Mais Sports & Racecourse, then from 1935 to the new horseracing track. We Haflingers were always there – with sporting ambition and fire in our hooves! Training took place from Lent onwards, then on the Wednesday or Thursday before Easter, the farmers rode their horses to Meran, where they practised once a day on the track. The preliminaries decided which horses would make it to the final – with only the 3 quickest going again! In those days, the riders still wore traditional costume, not riding clothes or protection, and there were no age nor weight restrictions. After the races they returned home to Hafling along the steep mountain track. It was always worth the effort since the paid expenses were worth the equivalent of a foal. Just like me! Over all the years, the racing has stayed true to its traditions – racing meets folklore! It is an equestrian sporting dream come true for the victor, and where that is concerned, nothing has changed.
In brief:
The festive procession through the centre of Meran is the highlight of the Haflinger Gallop Races, which open the racing season every year on Easter Monday. For the 130th anniversary in 2026 there will be a colourful accompanying programme of events, with a new edition of the special race.