Enjoy the excitement of horse racing and a full range of leisure and dining options at the Zarzuela Hippodrome, an architectural landmark of Madrid's rationalist style built in the 1940s. The 2026 season will open on Sunday 8 March, kicking off with the first race day in spring and running until 29 December.
The new calendar includes more races than the 2025 season, with three more race days and an additional race in total. The 2026 horse racing calendar is made up of 34 race days, 28 of which are on the SELAE circuit and the remaining 6 are own race days, during which 160 races will be held distributing total prize money of €2,245,850.
Races will be scheduled by season as follows: 20 spring race days which will run from Sunday 8 March until the end of June; and 13 race days in the summer season starting on 18 June with double race days on Thursdays and Saturdays in July and August (the last one will be on 6 August).
The season will draw to a close with two winter Family Day races on Sunday 29 December (which are not part of the SELAE circuit and the number of races is yet to be determined).
This season, the Zarzuela Hippodrome is increasing its sporting events with a programme designed to be inclusive and attractive. This schedule caters for all horse categories but also seeks to maximise interest and sporting profitability for professionals and fans.
2026 Race Calendar:
- 8, 15, 22 and 29 March
- 2, 5, 12, 19 and 26 April
- 1, 3, 10, 15, 17, 24 and 31 May
- 7, 14, 18, 20 and 27 June
- 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25 and 30 June
- 1 and 6 August
- 29 December (Family Day)
*More 2026 dates pending official confirmation
Not forgetting...
In addition to exciting races, La Zarzuela also offers a great food and drink selection, ranging from international snacks sold in food trucks to traditional tapas and fresh seasonal cuisine served in the VIP area. During the summer, you can enjoy an evening of racing, music and food thanks to their Night at the Races events, and if you fancy treating yourself to a VIP experience, you may opt to sit back and relax in the Torroja grandstand. This exclusive zone features chill out areas with ambient music, an open bar service, and catering throughout the race day.
If you’re interested in learning more about the racetrack, Hipotour offers an hour-long guided tour right before the first race. Find out how a typical race day unfolds, discover who the best jockeys and horses are, and learn a few tips and tricks for betting on the winning horse.
The race course also has something for the little ones. Set up in spring and autumn in the northern paddock, Ponyturf Club is a space for children which features bouncy castles and pony rides, inviting kids to get to know these magnificent animals.
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