The Gran Premio Merano weekend in late September is a magical blend of Alpine beauty, thrilling racing, and Italian charm. From the moment we set off, the excitement was palpable, a journey promising picturesque landscapes and an electric buzz of a race meeting which is historic in the National Hunt calendar.
Our tour began with an early morning departure from London Gatwick which certainly wasn’t as exciting as our destination. We boarded our flight to Verona, which was only a short two-hour journey, and many people tried to catch up on what sleep they had missed or were talking about what to anticipate in Merano!
A couple of hours later, we landed in the heart of northern Italy, which is certainly more pleasing than Gatwick! Marc was ready to welcome everybody before we embarked on our ride from Verona to Merano which was nothing short of spectacular. Winding through the Northern Italian Vineyards with the Alps shadowing our transfer was an incredible feeling and it gave a real sense about what was to come.
In Merano, we disembarked at our fantastic hotel, Villa Laurus and after settling in, there was time to explore the town’s enchanting streets before our first group dinner at Forsterbrau Meran. Dinner was a lively affair, with everyone diving into delicious local dishes but who wouldn’t love to get stuck into Italian cuisine?
Saturday morning began with a leisurely breakfast, with plenty of people talking about their plans for the day. Whilst some decided to enjoy a relaxed Saturday by taking in the sights of Merano, full of spectacular scenery and pleasant walks, many decided to go racing!
The racecourse tour was a particular highlight but none more so than the ‘walk the course’. Freddy Tett, ex Champion Amateur Jockey, was there in attendance and ahead of his ride in the feature event of the weekend, took our guests around the winding, but incredible course. Walking the hallowed turf with the surrounding landscape of the Alps standing sentinel over the track added a breathtaking backdrop to the experience. The afternoon races were exhilarating, with powerful finishes and plenty of people managing to find a winner or two!
For those exploring Merano, the town lived up to its reputation as "the pearl of South Tyrol." The famed thermal baths were incredibly relaxing and offered those in attendance a chance to rest and rejuvenate with their indoor and outdoor baths. The streets were alive with cafes, boutiques, and cheerful locals, while the river Passer sparkled in the sunlight. Dinner that evening was left to individual choice which gave everyone a chance to try local specialties at their leisure.
Sunday was the pinnacle of the weekend: race day. The morning air buzzed with excitement as everybody enjoyed their breakfast and shortly after noon, we were off to the races! Today was all about the Gran Premio Merano which acts as part of the Crystal Cup Series. It’s a race that dates back to 1935 and is a prestigious race to the locals, and everybody had seemingly found the winner in the morning! Nestled beside the Parade Ring was our own marquee which offered a blend of comfort and elegance, with three-course dining, free-flowing wine, and a front-row seat to the day’s drama. Whilst the races beforehand were full of action, The Gran Premio Merano was spectacular, for so many reasons. As the runners meandered their way around, they arrived at the fence in front of the stands and hilariously, the runners and riders mistook the fence they were supposed to take! After multiple attempts, they finally got over but only after a little bit of drama. The crowd roared as Speed Emile came home in front, set against the stunning mountain backdrop, it certainly turned out to be an unforgettable race.
As the sun set on Sunday evening, everybody had chance for final toasts in town, savouring every moment of this extraordinary weekend. Monday brought a bittersweet farewell as we returned to Verona but upon arriving, there was chance to explore its historic streets before heading back to the airport to fly home.
Merano left an unforgettable mark, a perfect mix of natural beauty, and Italian flair. It wasn’t just a weekend away; it was an experience that will be remembered by everyone for a very, very long time.
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