White Turf International Horse Races Are Run On A Frozen Lake

Frozen lakes are utilized for sporting activities such as ice hockey, figure skating, ice fishing, and luge. But horse racing? Each year since 1907, jockeys and riders from around the world gather in St. Moritz, Switzerland, for the White Turf international horse races.

The White Turf races feature as much pomp and circumstance and pageantry, if not more, than the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes that comprise the Triple Crown in the United States. We’re talking champagne, caviar, gourmet catering, live music, and art exhibits in the snowy mountains of glamorous St. Moritz.

On March 1, 1906, a group of 13 men wearing skis were pulled by horses in a race from the Postplatz in St. Moritz to Champfèr and back (a length of 6.2 mi./9,950m). The first official horse races were held at St. Moritz a year later, beginning more than 100 years of tradition that is White Turf. Today, there are three days of races, ranging from skijoring to regular horse riding and riders being pulled in sleds.

The overall points leader after all the races is crowned King of the Engadine.

Being pulled by a fully galloping horse across a frozen body of water is as scary as it sounds, and certainly has led to its fair share of complications and incidents. In 1965, not a single skier succeeded in crossing the finish line because of reins being tangled up and “hopeless confusion” among the horses at the race start.

Equipment and proceedings have since been standardized, but injuries are still commonplace. British jockey George Baker is awake, but in intensive care following a fall and pileup due to a 23.5-in. (60cm) crack in the ice during the 2017 races. The injury and lake conditions resulted in the final Sunday’s races being canceled.

While this year’s event may have concluded early, it was still a historic occasion. Valeria Holinger, 26, was crowned Queen of the Engadine, as the first female to win White Turf.

Valeria Holinger (center) was named Queen of the Engadine as 2017 winner

The 2018 White Turf is scheduled for Feb. 4, 11, and 18.

About the author

Michael LoRé

Sports Editor

Michael has been obsessed with sports since he started playing recreationally when he was 5 years old. Realizing he couldn't make it as a professional athlete and was a decent enough writer, the lightbulb went off: sports journalist. After honing his craft at the University of Delaware, Michael has covered anything and everything from scholastic field hockey to the World Series. Born and raised in New Jersey, Michael now lives in New York City, having worked most recently for New York City FC and the NHL. His favorite sport is soccer.