History of Real Horse Races Society of Sanlúcar
In the foreword to the founding statutes of the Horse Races Society of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, printed in the month of November, 1845, the following may be read:
In the city of Sanlúcar de Barrameda on the 20th of the month of September 1845, meeting the gentlemen Mr. Ramón Larraz, Count of Monteagudo, Mr. José M. de Pastrana, Mr. José M. Lacave, Mr. Tomás Woulfe, Mr. Rufino de Eguino, Mr. Mariano Nogués, Mr. Fernando Gómez de Barreda y Torres, Mr. José Manuel de Molina, Mr. Francisco Javier Leonar, Mr. Pedro Carrere, Mr. Antonio de Ambrosy, Mr. Juan N. Colón, Mr. Santiago de Luchi and Mr. Pedro Castelló; decided to form a society wich named Horse Racing Society of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Foster the Andalusian breed of horses whose interesting division, is known utility for agriculture of this country. For this, statutes where formed for the knowledge of Mr. Superior Political Chief of this province, and his approval. Formed and directed through the Mayor of this city, were approved by the province's highest authority on October 22. In a meeting held on 31, The society was installed and it was agreed to print the following statutes".
In the founded statutes of "Horse Races Society of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, it is expressly indicated that one of the activities that will carry out the society will be the celebration of horse races, taking time first ones in Sanlúcar de Barrameda beaches, the Afternoon of August 31, 1845.
Traditional admitted that the origin of "horse Races in the beach of Sanlúcar de Barrameda" was informal competitions of equine owners, who used them for fish transport from the old port of Bajo de Guía to the local markets and nearby towns.
First horse races held in Spain at "English style" took place in "Alameda de Osuna" estate in Madrid in 1.835. Were intermittent equestrian meetings (1835, 1843, 1849), that began in our country the hobby for the tests of speed, similar than the present days races that we can see in racetracks of Madrid, San Sebastián, Seville, Mijas, Dos Hermanas and Sanlúcar de Barrameda, and in all over the world.
After many years that Horse Races Society of Sanlúcar de Barrameda was the only responsible of the race´s organization, becomes responsibility of the very excellent City Hall of the City. City Hall includes races in their summer schedules, like the most attractive and singular celebration for people of Sanlúcar and visitors.
There are no documentary for denied that Horse Races Society in Sanlúcar where second in seniority regulated in Spain and the most veteran among those currently held in the country.
From 1981, Horse Races in Sanlúcar gained more momentum re-founded the old Horse Racing Society of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, and approve its statutes on March 3. From this moment, under the exclusive command of Horse Racing Society of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, acquire a notoriety that surpasses that known in the early twentieth century. The days of competition are extended to two cycles of three days; become official and are integrated into the national equestrian circuit – with Madrid, San Sebastián and Seville, Dos Hermanas and Mijas – and they received an important support of "Society of Promotion of the Horse Breeding of Spain" that make them world famous.
At present, the Horse Races on the beaches of Sanlúcar has very good health and stands out as one of the main events of the summer in Andalusia. This unique show in the world, declared International Tourist Interest, is very interesting for thousand of sanluqueños and visitors, who enjoy every afternoon near the beaches and pure blood horses, competing in a natural racetrack.
