Record Crowd For Swedish National Day

Swedish National Raceday | Stefan Olsson/Svensk Galopp

A park in central Stockholm is transformed into a racetrack for the Swedish National Day on June 6 each year, and on Tuesday more than 55,000 people turned up to watch the six races and enjoy the sunshine-an event record. The event, which started five years ago as a new way of celebrating the Swedish National Day, has already established itself as one of the main summer events in Stockholm.

Like in many other countries, Swedish racecourses struggle to get people to the races, and attendance has been declining over the past decade. Even the main racedays such as the Swedish Derby at Jagersro, the G3 Stockholm Cup at Bro Park, and the Swedish Grand National at Stromsholm, rarely attract more than 5,000 spectators.

'If you can't get the people to the races, bring the races to the people,' was the idea behind the National Day event, and it works. The central location, free entrance, live music and hat parades appeal to people that normally wouldn't go racing.

Dennis Madsen, Head of Racing at the Swedish Horseracing Authority, said he was very pleased with the day.

“55,000 people is a new attendance record,” he said. “It's a unique event and it is great to see so many people come to enjoy the races. It is so easily accessible, and I think that is a big part of the success. The races take place in a public park that many people visit regularly.”

Long term, the Swedish Horseracing Authority hopes that the event will help bring not only spectators to the other main racing events in the country, but also new owners to the sport.

“Throughout the day we try to teach people about racing, but in a fun and informal way,” Madsen explained. “For example, people on stage explain why the horses are carrying different weights, and talk about the starting stalls, and we show some behind the scenes footage on the big screen. We also give out free tickets to the races at Bro Park.”

 

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