Rexi wins Easter Monday title in Merano/Meran

Happy faces at the award ceremony (left to right): Marta Innerhofer on PIA-MARIA, who came in third, winner Irene Moser on REXI and runner-up Kathrin Erschbamer on UDINE II

Traditionally, on Easter Monday, the Merano/Meran racecourse revolves entirely around Haflinger horses. Already in their 123rd edition, the time-honoured Easter Monday Haflinger Gallop Races are organised by the South Tyrol Haflinger Sports Association in collaboration with the Merano/Meran Tourist Office, the City Council and Merano Galoppo srl/Meran Galopp GmbH.

At 10 a.m., the eventful day opened in style with a splendid parade boasting floats, fanfare trumpeters and marching bands alongside countless Haflingers and their young riders wearing traditional costumes on their way from the city centre to the racecourse.

Thanks to the cooperation with the Provincial Federation of South Tyrol Haflinger Horse Breeders, this year, the 6000 or so visitors could not only cheer on the blonde-maned mares during the gallop races but also enjoy less common disciplines such as driving or loose jumping.

An exciting final round saw the four best horses from each of the three preliminary races compete for the much-treasured title, which Irene Moser and REXI BZ26943 (owner: Helene Zöggeler) won ahead of Kathrin Erschbamer on UDINE II BZ28063 (owner: Hubert Kienzl) and Marta Innerhofer on PIA-MARIA BZ25793 (owner: Josef Plattner).

Results

At the annual grand parade through the city centre