In the heart of Scandinavia, near Oslo at Øvrevoll Galopp, lies a crucial part of the racing circuit. This single Thoroughbred racetrack is not only integral to Norway but also has significant implications for neighbouring Denmark and Sweden. Recent worrying developments have cast a shadow over the future of racing in this region.

The Uncertain Future of Scandinavian Racing at Øvrevoll

Øvrevoll's Unique Position in the Scandinavian Circuit

Øvrevoll Galopp stands out as the only Thoroughbred racetrack in Norway among ten harness venues. It forms one of the four courses that make up the wider Scandinavian circuit. However, recent events have put its future in doubt. The cancellation of the last fixture of the season and the reduction in administrative services have raised concerns.This racetrack plays a vital role in the exchange of runners between Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. Its conditions book heavily relies on this exchange, especially during the time when the next season's books are being written. The potential closure of Øvrevoll could have a ripple effect on the entire Scandinavian racing scene.

The Impact on Racing Professionals and the Economy

The entire staff of Norsk Galopp, formerly the Norwegian Jockey Club, has seen their hours cut by 50 to 80 per cent. The offices are now open only 3½ hours a day, and trainers are being asked to help with maintenance. Despite recent appointments to strengthen marketing efforts, a sudden U-turn has left the situation confusing.The financial losses at Øvrevoll, amounting to about three million kroner in 2024, are a cause for concern. This not only affects the racetrack itself but also has implications for the wider racing industry. Betting turnover, which is crucial for the sport's sustainability, would suffer immensely if one track is closed down. Scandinavian countries operate a common pool, and followers bet on races across borders.

The Shrinking Horse Population and its Consequences

The horse population in Scandinavia has been declining over the past ten years and now stands at only 225. Of these, 164 are handled by 11 professional trainers, with the rest being amateurs. Øvrevoll relies on runners shipping in from Denmark and Sweden to stage its 28 days of racing. This year, 115 such runners were welcomed, but this is significantly less than in the 80s and 90s.A smaller horse population means smaller fields, which in turn leads to lower betting turnover. Norwegian Derby day, the biggest fixture at Øvrevoll this year with 4.786,000 kroner in prize money and 6.300,485 kroner in betting handle, still resulted in a massive loss. High take-outs in Norway make betting less appealing, and the lack of useful information for horse players is adding to the problem.If Thoroughbred racing in Norway were to disappear, it would be a blow to the entire region. One nation's decision to give up could make it impossible for the other two to continue. It is crucial to ensure the survival of Øvrevoll to maintain the balance and sustainability of Scandinavian racing.• Visit the Øvrevoll Galopp website‘We’ll need to see some ID’ – Geir Stabell on the age rule that could change Scandinavian racing