Horse racing in Norway dates back to the 19th century with the first official races held in the early 1800s. Norway has a dedicated horse racing culture with well-organised events, racecourses and betting opportunities. Over the years, horse racing has evolved with the establishment of dedicated racetracks and breeding programs. The sport is primarily divided into two categories: harness racing (trotting) and thoroughbred racing. Harness racing, where horses pull a two-wheeled cart known as a sulky is the dominant form of the sport in Norway. The total prize money for Norwegian horse racing exceeds NOK 100 million annually, attracting top talent from across the region. The Norwegian horse racing industry generates millions in annual betting revenue, primarily through state-controlled betting platforms like Rikstoto.
One of the most notable figures in Norwegian horse racing is Gunder Ringen, a legendary harness racer who dominated the sport in the mid-20th century. His success helped elevate the profile of horse racing in Norway and inspired a new generation of jockeys and trainers. Another notable figure is Ulf Thoresen, a legendary harness racing driver celebrated for his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport. Throughout his career, he secured over 4,000 victories in Norway and approximately 300 wins internationally. Thoresen’s dominance extended to the global stage and he was a World Champion four times (1973, 1977, 1979 and 1981).
Today, the sport is regulated by the Norwegian Trotting Association (Norsk Travsport) which oversees both harness racing and flat racing.
Harness Racing in Norway
Harness racing known as trotting is a popular equestrian sport in Norway with over 1,000 races held annually. Unlike traditional horse racing where horses gallop, trotting races require horses to maintain a specific gait, known as the trot, while pulling a two-wheeled cart called a sulky with a driver seated behind. Norway has a rich history of harness racing, with Bjerke Travbane in Oslo being the most prestigious track, hosting top-tier events such as the Oslo Grand Prix. Established in 1928, it hosts some of the country’s biggest harness racing events, including Oslo Grand Prix which is the most prestigious international trotting event in Norway. It also hosts V75 weekly races that contribute to Norway’s growing interest in horse racing betting. The Bjerke Travbane race track is 1,000 meters (3,300 ft) long. Forus Travbane (Stavanger) and Leangen Travbane (Trondheim) are some of the other well-known harness racing tracks in Norway.
Harness racing dominates the industry with over 80% of horse races in Norway being trotting events. Vidar Hop is one of the top harness racing drivers in Norway. He has achieved multiple V75 victories and remains a prominent figure in the Norwegian trotting scene. Harness racing is widely supported, with numerous regional racetracks and a well-established breeding industry producing top-quality trotters.
Betting plays a crucial role in the popularity of Norwegian trotting, with the state-controlled Norsk Rikstoto managing all betting activities. Weekly V75 races attract thousands of bettors both locally and online contributing significantly to Norway’s gambling market. The sport also emphasises strict regulations on horse welfare, training and competition fair play. With the rise of digital gambling platforms, horse racing betting has become more accessible to Norwegian players. Many online sportsbooks and casinos offer betting markets for both local and international horse races. Websites like www.nyttcasino.com provide insights into legal and regulated online casinos and betting options for Norwegian players. Bettors can place wagers on races happening at Norwegian tracks like Bjerke Travbane and Øvrevoll Galopp.
Thoroughbred racing in Norway
Thoroughbred racing in Norway is a niche yet prestigious equestrian sport, primarily centered around Øvrevoll Galopp, the country’s only thoroughbred racecourse located in Øvrevoll near capital Oslo.
Unlike harness racing, which dominates the Norwegian horse racing scene, thoroughbred racing involves flat races where horses gallop at full speed. The highlight of the Norwegian thoroughbred racing calendar is the Norwegian Derby Day, held annually in August. This event attracts top horses, trainers and jockeys from across Scandinavia making it a significant fixture in the Nordic racing circuit. Other key races include the Polar Cup (Norway’s only Group 3 race) and the prestigious Marit Sveaas Minneløp.
The sport is regulated by Norsk Jockeyklub, ensuring high standards of competition and horse welfare. While thoroughbred racing is less popular than trotting in Norway, it has a dedicated following and continues to grow in prominence. Niels Petersen, a leading trainer at Øvrevoll, has played a crucial role in developing Norwegian thoroughbred racing by training multiple Derby winners. The presence of elite Scandinavian and European competitors at major race meetings further enhances the sport’s reputation, ensuring that thoroughbred racing remains a vital part of Norway’s equestrian landscape.
The Future of Horse Racing in Norway
The future of horse racing in Norway is set to evolve with modernisation efforts and increasing technological integration. While the sport has a dedicated but niche following, advancements such as improved breeding programs, enhanced racecourse facilities and digital innovations like live streaming and virtual racing experiences could attract a broader audience. The Norwegian government’s strict regulations on gambling continue to shape the industry, but potential policy shifts may create new opportunities for growth. Additionally, sustainability and animal welfare concerns are pushing for reforms that prioritise ethical racing practices. With a blend of tradition and innovation, Norway’s horse racing scene could see renewed interest and development in the coming years.