Summer 2026 once again brings one of the most traditional events on Mallorca’s sporting calendar. The Manacor Racecourse will host a total of 21 night harness racing meetings, an initiative promoted by the Consell de Mallorca to ensure the welfare of the horses during the hottest months while offering visitors an attractive summer leisure experience.
The races will take place from early July until September 12, 2026, always starting at 8:30 pm, taking advantage of the cooler evening temperatures.
When are the Manacor Racecourse night races?
The summer programme includes a total of 21 evening race meetings.
- Venue: Manacor Racecourse
- Time: From 8:30 pm
- Dates: Until September 12, 2026
- Organised by: Institut de l’Esport Hípic de Mallorca (IEHM)
Moving the races to the evening allows both horses and professionals to compete in much more favourable conditions during the summer months.
The races move temporarily to Manacor
Throughout this summer, all races will be held temporarily at the Manacor Racecourse while renovation works continue at the historic Son Pardo Racecourse in Palma.
The project includes the complete modernisation of the racing track, considered a strategic facility for the future of Mallorca’s harness racing tradition.
If the works remain on schedule, Son Pardo is expected to host races again from August 28, 2026.
Animal welfare is the priority during the summer
The main objective of the night racing programme is to protect the horses from the high temperatures typical of the Mallorcan summer.
Holding the races after sunset reduces heat stress on the animals and allows competitions to take place under the best possible conditions.
This initiative reflects the Consell de Mallorca’s commitment to preserving the island’s harness racing tradition while ensuring animal welfare and continuing to modernise its equestrian facilities.
Sopar a la Fresca: a family-friendly summer experience
In addition to the sporting action, every race meeting will feature the traditional “Sopar a la Fresca” (“Dinner Under the Stars”), a popular dining experience that turns race nights into the perfect way to enjoy a summer evening.
The relaxed family atmosphere, food offerings and the opportunity to experience the races up close make these evenings an excellent choice for both horse racing enthusiasts and visitors looking for something different to do in Mallorca.
A long-standing Mallorcan tradition
Harness racing is one of Mallorca’s oldest and most deeply rooted sports, bringing together owners, breeders, drivers and thousands of loyal fans every season.
The Manacor Racecourse night meetings help keep this tradition alive throughout the summer while introducing the sport to new audiences thanks to a more appealing schedule adapted to the warmer weather.
Things to do in Mallorca this summer
If you’re looking for different things to do in Mallorca during summer 2026, the Manacor Racecourse night races offer the perfect combination of sport, tradition, gastronomy and outdoor entertainment.
With a welcoming family atmosphere, the traditional Sopar a la Fresca and the excitement of harness racing under the stars, these evenings have become one of the island’s most original summer experiences.
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