La Zarzuela Racecourse has a long tradition of providing leisure and catering facilities in one of the capital's most iconic sites, a leading example of Madrid's rationalist architecture, combining enjoyment of its open air facilities with the excitement of the races and the chance to place a winning bet.
The Zarzuela's terraces, covered by an apparently weightless reinforced concrete roof designed by engineer Eduardo Torroja, continue to surprise visitors because of their light, elegant appearance. It is an excellent example of architecture for a sporting venue, inspired in such modern values as competitiveness, hygiene, and life in the open air, much admired by artists, politicians and intellectuals in the 1930s.
It was intended to replace the La Castellana Racecourse and building started in 1935 but was stopped because of the Civil War. At the end of the war it was in ruins and had to be rebuilt, work being finished in 1941.
The racecourse has passed through years of splendour, like the 1970s, and periods of recession, like the 1990s. It was closed for refurbishment in 1996 and since 2003 has held event-packed racing seasons.
Today going to the races is ideal for families with children, who can enjoy the beauty of horses competing and a range of recreational attractions, including extensive green spaces, bouncy castles, childcare facilities, ponies, face painting, workshops and a dance area.
As a point of interest, the Hippodrome has free transport to the site from Paseo Moret, at the Moncloa interchange or, otherwise, the stop will be on Avenida de la Complutense (in front of the Ciudad Universitaria metro). It will run on race days, from one hour before and up to one hour after the races.
Guided Visits
Hipotour is a business initiative to discover the La Zarzuela Racecourse and the world of horse racing which is aimed at the general public through guided visits to the training centre and the Madrid racecourse. In reduced groups (up to thirty people), visitors will have the opportunity to visit the racecourse facilities guided by the well-known jockeys, Claudine Cazalis and Isabel Vaquero.
Further Information: hipotour@yahoo.es
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