Michael Mills

Among the myriad of sporting pleasures to be found along the Costa del Sol, one of the jewels in the crown is the Mijas Hipodromo. Situated just a few furlongs from the bustling resort of Fuengirola, and just a short ride away from both the millionaire's playground of Puerto Banus and Malaga international airport, the horseracing centre of southern Spain is rapidly developing into one of the most prestigious all-weather tracks in Europe, if not the world.
It seems light years away since forward looking Irish trainer Eddie Creighton trundled into the then unfinished racecourse with five horses, a wife and seven children, three of whom, Edward, Shane and Alan, were destined to become winning jockeys under their father's expert tutelage. Yorkshireman Peter Haley, the first non-Spanish trainer to gain a licence here on the Costa, has also paved the way for the sport to be at the forefront of European racing, closely followed by many others from all parts of the continent, with assuredly many more to follow. Claes Bjorling, Bengt Andersson, Ole Larsson from Scandinavia, Joey Brown, Les Eyre and Mick Lambert from the UK, among others, have all successfully followed to make this one of the best horseracing venues to be found.

The facilites at the racecourse are second to none, and not only on racedays. The Hipodromo can also proudly present showjumping facilites, a top athletics track, bars, restaurants, children's entertainment, live concerts and much much more. Recently taken over by a consortium of forward thinking businessmen, the racecourse complex is rapidly heading towards being one of the best attractions on the Costa del Sol.

Imagine combining a holiday in the all year round sunshine, maybe a round of golf, or just a laze on the beach, with a brilliant day of international sport at the Hipodromo. (Star spotters may also be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of David and Victoria Beckham among others on their visits to Malaga).

All in all, a day out not to be missed. Racing during the summer is also a wonderful spectacle under floodlights on Saturday evenings, with something for all the family to enjoy. Mingle with the millionaire racehorse owners, or simply enjoy a wonderful time with family and friends. You are assured of a warm welcome whichever, and, who knows, with a little bit of luck you could be heading for home a little bit richer!

Best of luck.