No winter races for Mijas

THE Costa del Sol Hippodrome in Mijas has confirmed no horse racing will be held during the winter season.

And the jury is out about summer racing as a row between the racecourse and racing authorities rumbles on.

AS The Euro Weekly News reported in December, a winter horse racing programme relied upon a meeting between Mijas Mayor Angel Nozal and National Lottery representatives in Madrid.

But now Lottery managers have kept their decision to hold races at the Zarzuela Hippodrome in Madrid during the second half of July and August. The Mijas racecourse managers believe these are the best dates for them, as they can get the maximum takings during that time, instead of the current dates of mid-June to late July.  

Mijas Tourism Councillor Lourdes Burgos said: “We are not holding winter races, which are never profitable, if we are not guaranteed the last races of July and in August.”

Burgos confirmed the decision will not mean the premises will close, as the rest of the businesses and activities such as the car boot sale will keep running.