There is a specific kind of electricity that accompanies the return of high-stakes trotting to the Piedmont plains, a blend of rural tradition and elite international competition. On Monday, April 6, the Ippodromo di Vinovo will transform into the epicenter of European harness racing, hosting a high-profile event that balances the intensity of Group 1 racing with the relaxed atmosphere of a traditional Italian “Pasquetta” outing.
The day is anchored by the Gran Premio Costa Azzurra, a race that has served as a benchmark for the sport since its inception in 1963. With a total prize pool exceeding 700,000 euros, the event is not merely a local attraction but a strategic stop on the international circuit, drawing owners, trainers and journalists from across the continent to the outskirts of Turin.
This year’s gathering marks a pivotal shift in the venue’s prestige. Under the guidance of the Ministero dell’Agricoltura della Sovranità Alimentare e delle Foreste (MASAF), the race has been integrated into the “UET ELITE CIRCUIT.” This designation places the Ippodromo di Vinovo event on April 6 alongside the most prestigious trotting dates in Europe, including the Gran Prix d’Amerique in Paris and the Elitloppet in Stockholm, effectively cementing Turin’s status as a capital of European trotting.
A Clash of Schools: The Gran Premio Costa Azzurra
The centerpiece of the nine-race program, starting at 14:30, is the 1,600-meter sprint of the Gran Premio Costa Azzurra. This Group 1 contest is traditionally where the “French school” of trotting meets the Italian stalwarts. The historical weight of the race is significant. thirteen winners of the Gran Prix d’Amérique—the gold standard of the sport—have crossed the finish line at Vinovo over the decades.
Current projections favor Dany Capar, the defending champion who recently dominated the Gran Premio Duomo with a commanding average of 1’10.5. Capar is part of the influential Gocciadoro stable, which will exert significant pressure on the field. The Gocciadoro team is fielding three primary contenders in the front line: Capar, Free Time Jepson (driven by Andrea Guzzinati), and Always Ek.
However, the competition remains fierce. Dubhe Prav, trained by Filippo Rocca and driven by Santo Mollo, represents a strong local challenge. The international flavor is further enhanced by Igrec De Celland, coming off a victory in Caen, and Express D’Arc. Interestingly, while Express D’Arc is Swedish-owned, the horse was bred locally at the Centro Equino Arcadia in Villafranca Piemonte, adding a layer of regional pride to the international clash.
The Next Generation: The 4-Year-Old Derby
Beyond the main event, the spotlight shifts to the ANACT Stakes+ – Gran Premio Città di Torino, the Derby for four-year-olds. This race serves as a critical barometer for the future stars of the sport. In the males’ category, Giotto Ek and Guglielmo Jet are the horses to beat, both coming off strong qualifying performances under the Gocciadoro banner.
The female category shows a similar trend of dominance by the Gocciadoro stable, which has entered five horses. The favorite, Glamour Queen, faces her toughest challenge in Gloria Italia, managed by the Divignano team and driven by Andrea Farolfi. Other notable contenders include Giovaz, trained by Antonio Di Nardo, and Giorgia D’Esi.
Institutional Backing and Regional Impact
The elevation of trotting in Piedmont is not accidental. The Regione Piemonte has officially categorized these trotting classics as “Grandi Eventi,” placing them on the same cultural and economic tier as the ATP Finals in tennis and the Open d’Italia in golf. This institutional support is mirrored by the Città Metropolitana di Torino, which has committed its patronage to the hippodrome’s activities through 2026.
This strategic alignment aims to boost sports tourism in the region, utilizing the UET Elite Circuit to attract high-net-worth horse owners and international enthusiasts. By positioning the event as both a sporting peak and a family-friendly destination, the region is attempting to broaden the demographic appeal of harness racing.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| First Race Start | 14:30 |
| Main Event | Gran Premio Costa Azzurra (Group 1) |
| Total Prize Pool | > €700,000 |
| Admission | Free for all visitors |
| Key Youth Race | ANACT Stakes+ (4-Year-Old Derby) |
Beyond the Track: A Family Tradition
While the betting rings and grandstands will be filled with analysts, the surrounding green spaces are designed for a different pace. Recognizing the cultural importance of “Pasquetta,” the organizers have curated a series of free activities aimed at families and children, ensuring the event functions as a community gathering as much as a professional competition.
The “Villaggio del Coniglio,” managed by CircoWOW, offers a mix of educational and recreational activities, including an Easter bunny hunt and art workshops. In a more specialized exhibit, the “Fiera del Coniglio,” organized with ARCA, will showcase 150 different rabbit breeds, providing an interactive experience for visitors to learn about cunicular diversity.
For those seeking a more traditional equestrian experience, the Old Ranch Ferrero provides “saddle baptisms” for children on ponies, while Adamo Martin and Servizi in Carrozza offer free carriage rides around the track. Dining options are centered around the Ristorante Scuderia Alfiere, which provides a panoramic view of the finish line from the first floor, allowing guests to transition seamlessly from a family lunch to the thrill of the final stretch.
The events of April 6 serve as the opening act for a season that culminates in the grand Derby on October 11. Until then, the results of the Costa Azzurra will dictate the rankings and the narratives leading into the autumn finale. Those seeking real-time updates or official entry lists are encouraged to monitor the Union Européenne du Trot (UET) official communications.
We invite readers to share their experiences of the event or their predictions for the Gran Premio Costa Azzurra in the comments below.
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