With stabling and training facilities for up to 300 horses, a 500-acre site, extensive floodlighting and both a turf and dirt track, Bro Park racecourse is a welcome new venue for Swedish racing.
H&H paid a visit for the official opening of the state-of-the-art facility near Stockholm on 19 June. The new racecourse hosted the Swedish 1000 and 2000 Guineas and a female jockey challenge — attracting jockeys from the UK and across the globe.
In the paddock
The gravelled, circular paddock sits right next to the track
The female jockey challenge
Former top Flat jockey Hayley Turner managed the international team — which included Britain's up-and-coming apprentice jockey Josephine Gordon (centre, in yellow)
The grandstand
The modern grandstand offers hospitality for visitors and a perfect viewing spot at the top
A British runner
Having made the long journey over by horsebox from the UK, the Giles Bravery-trained mare Subtle Knife finished second under Josephine Gordon much to the delight of her connections
A mini winner
Sweden's version of Shetland Pony racing
A plush place to get changed
The modern weighing room caters for the jockeys' needs
The view from the top
The top of the new grandstand offers views across the racecourse of both the turf and dirt tracks. The venue replaces the former Taby racecourse as the home of Swedish racing. A number of Sweden's trainers have moved their horses to be based on the 500-acre site
Opening celebrations
The racecourse's official opening kicks off
An array of prizes…
...for the lucky winners
Mini jockeys…
...and their ponies kick start the 11-race card