This is one of the most unique horse racing tracks in the world, and it is placed between the mountains and the Atlantic, right in the heart of Rio de Janeiro. Yeah, not many racetracks are in the center of a town right at the coastline, right?
How It Started
Hipódromo da Gávea has a long history. The track was built in 1926 and opened that year under the name Hipódromo Brasileiro.
Then in 1932, Rio’s two main racing bodies (Derby Club and Jockey Club) merged into what became the Jockey Club Brasileiro, which then anchored its racing at Gávea.
When it comes to its design, not many people know that this racetrack is actually modeled after Longchamp in Paris (the old one).
Plus, horse racing betting is quite popular in Brazil, which is why the racetrack still operates. If you are also into horse racing betting, some big international races are coming up, like the Kentucky Derby. So, check the Kentucky Derby final odds, make a strategy, and bet wisely.
Huge and Dense Facility
Why is Gávea any different from other tracks? Well, first of all, it’s not sitting in the middle of nowhere (outside towns). It’s wedged in (somehow) into one of the most valuable and most lived-in parts of Rio (near Lagoa, Gávea). And shockingly, it still operates as a racing complex.
The Best Race Worth Watching
If we have to choose one race that stands out at Gávea, there is no other choice than Grande Prêmio Brasil.
This race started in 1933 (it has history), and it is run on a 2,400-meter distance (12 furlongs) on a left-handed turf surface. It has a prize purse of around R$ 673,200, which is around $130,000.
This is the most popular horse race in Brazil and the one that gets the most attention from the locals. We even witnessed a jockey who almost lost the race because he was celebrating too early. So, if you want the best of the best, you should visit Rio in late June, when the racetrack becomes alive.