Unlike many European countries, including the United Kingdom and Germany, Croatia lacks a horse racing culture. The Zagreb Hippodrome, a 160-acre site south of the Sava River in Novi Zagreb, is one of the few locations in Croatia that celebrates horse sports - and it’s not the country's biggest nor most well-maintained venue. 

Chariot Racing

It’s an unusual position for a country once influenced by the Romans, who adored any horse sports. Oddly enough, the ancient sport of chariot racing - now better known in forms like harness racing or trotting - is one of the most popular activities at the Zagreb Hippodrome, although, the venue takes the equally unusual position of supporting all equestrian events, including flat racing, show jumping, and dressage.

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Racing has experienced a minor renaissance in recent years. Once exclusively a sport of grass and mud, a more digital front exerts an influence. Online, Betfair's Derby Wheel slot melds a classic fruit machine with opportunities to bet on a race. The game offers a Win wager, an Exacta, and a Trifecta (Roman words, coincidentally) which can be traded for multipliers if the horse comes in. 

The concept of virtual horse racing is another twist borne of the internet. By running simulated races, bookmakers can offer events round the clock, using mechanics common to casino games. There’s no need to skip the visual aspects of a racing meet. Horses, riders, and courses are animated in 3D to increase players’ feelings of immersion. 

Paris Longchamp

Zagreb Hippodrome hosts the Croatian Championship in Show Jumping and World Dressage Challenge. The track is a relatively recent addition to the equestrian canon, built in 1947 in imitation of the Paris Longchamp Racecourse (b. 1857). The latter is famed for its Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, while the Hippodrome is arguably better known for its concerts than its racing. These include Metallica (2010) and Ed Sheeran (2024).

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So, professional equestrianism perhaps isn’t the Hippodrome’s forte. It does have a storied riding school on-site that’s reminiscent of its native town Kajzerica’s military heritage. Soldiers were once trained in this small corner of Croatia. An indoor area sits in the rings of two riding tracks. Unfortunately, its construction meant sacrificing a third track.

Racing Culture

From a traveler’s perspective, the Zagreb Hippodrome - Croatia’s only major horse racing center - probably isn’t worth a visit other than for lovers of show jumping and dressage. This alone paints quite a different picture of the country’s racing culture compared to the UK, for instance, where the nearly 250-year-old St. Leger in Doncaster attracts thousands of people regardless of their interest in the sport.

Unfortunately, as Croatia isn’t on the radar of the International Olympic Committee for either the Summer or Winter Games, it’s unlikely that horse racing is due a resurgence in popularity in the nation. Italy will take the reins of the Winter Games in 2026 but, sadly, there are unlikely to be any horses present. With a racing history going back to 1642, Italy remains the best (local) destination for race fans.