Horse Racing in Cyprus at The Nicosia Race Course

The sport of kings in Cyprus

gee up, come on my beauty, you can do it,yes,

Nicosia Racecourse

"The Sporting Life " of London described the Nicosia Racecourse as "the most picturesque in the world".

"Sunjet", the magazine of Cyprus Airways, says that this " may seem an exaggerated claim until you actually spend a day at the track. With the sun shining brilliantly (which is almost every day in Cyprus), illuminating the reds, blues and greens of the jockeys' silks as they perch precariously over the glistening hides of the tawny mares, the black two year olds and the speckled longshots, the opinion seems less overstated.  The powdery brown turf and the lush green of the date palms contrast strikingly with the dusty blues of the Kyrenia mountains, providing the perfect rugged backdrop beneath a cloudless sky"

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Race meetings are organised by the Nicosia Race Club, which is a non-profit making organisation. They are held at the Nicosia Racecourse and at these mainly thoroughbred horses compete.   The average prize money is � 6,000 Sterling.   The monthly training fees are around �225 Sterling. Foreign horse ownership is encouraged.

Racing in Cyprus is governed by the rules of racing of the Cyprus Turf Club, which are based on the  the Rules of Racing of the Jockey Club of Britain. Betting is fully computerised and one of the most popular bets is the TRIO.  Placing a bet is generally simple and the chances are plentiful.

 
 

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The Nicosia Race Club is the owner of the racecourse and its buildings, which are modern and equipped with all the necessary amenities.

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During 1997 the Racecourse and its buildings underwent an extensive program of renovation and upgrading. It is a real pleasure to spend a day there enjoying the glorious spectacle of racing in picturesque surroundings.

Visitors are made welcome by the  friendly staff , and special group visits in private facilities can be arranged with a simple phone call.

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Horse Racing history in Cyprus

Organised racing in Cyprus has a longer history than is generally known. It is said that it started in 1878. At that time some government departments such as the police, used horses extensively in their day- to- day duties. It was natural therefore, that they should wish to organise competitions amongst themselves, and that is how organized racing started in Cyprus.

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Recently a floodlighting system has been installed, allowing racing to continue into early evening. Racing under floodlighting is a magnificent spectacle, especially during the summer months.

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May is the flower month of Cyprus, with temperatures around 30�C, a week or two spent in Cyprus combining sun, sea and racing is an ideal holiday, which one should not miss. To join a coach party for a day at the races, or to ride yourself whilst on holiday here, contact us for details.