---
title: "Åulot Racecourse"
nativeTitle: "Äulon Kilparata"
type: "organization"
nation: "karjania"
coords: "15.88°N 21.60°E"
infobox: (10 rows)
---
Åulot Racecourse is a horse racing venue in Åulot, in the North Routanmaa region of [[karjania]] opened in 1879, and known for hosting the Karjanmaa-Ajo, one of the most prestigious harness racing events in [[evria]]. It has a capacity for over 40,000 spectators, and stabling for over 300 horses. It is used only for harness racing events.
## History
By the 1850s, horse racing had been practised in Karjania for years, and was especially popular in the Routanmaa region. Due to the absence of a horse racing venue in the entire North Routanmaa region, local nobles and businessmen financed the creation of Åulot Racecourse in 1869, and it would be inaugurated 10 years later, with the first running of the Åulot Prix. The track is located inside of Åulot, although when it was constructed, it was 10 kilometers away from the edge of the city. Originally, it had under 500 seated viewing opportunities and a total capacity under 20,000, but later construction between 1889 and 1895 gave the facility it's current numbers. Famous Karjanian racehorse Aarteeni, widely considered the greatest harness horse in Karjanian history and one of the best accross Avium, with a domestic record of 37 races and 37 wins, made his debut at Åulot Racecourse in 1898. The Karjanmaa-Ajo, considered the crown jewel of Karjanian harness racing and one of the most prestigious races in Evria was first held in 1900. In 1904, the facilities were upgraded to house over 300 horses, along with several hotels built near the racecourse in Åulot for the crews of foreign horses. Åulot is widely considered the horse racing capital of Karjania. In 1912,a fire destroyed almost half of the viewing areas, which led to a 7 month period without horse racing at the track. For the next race, the 1913 Karjanmaa-Ajo, King Kristian personally attended the event, which was won by Karjanian stallion Raidat. There were no races held during [[great-war]], as Åulot was under constant threat by Skjarnish forces. Horse racing resumed as usual after the war, and events were also continued during the Karjanian Civil War. Throughout it's history, horses of over 25 nationalities have competed at Åulot Racecourse in a variety of races. Outside of the Karjanmaa-Ajo, there are a variety of other races held at Åulot Racecourse, such as the Kesä-Ajo or the Övrebothnia Stakes. Åulot Racecourse is the 3rd largest horse racing venue in Karjania by capacity, and the largest used solely for harness racing.
## Facilities
The complex is located in Northwest Åulot, about 15 kilometers away from the coast of Lake Övrebothnia, and is surrounded by the city of Åulot on all sides. The Åulot Racecourse Complex sits on 82 hectares of land, which includes the large stabling area and the Hevoset Hotel. The main racetrack is around 2457 meters in total length, but most races are ran across 2100m. The track is oval shaped, with a long chute and fairly short backstretch. The main grandstand has around 7,000 seated viewing and 31,000 standing. The surface is dirt.
## List of events
- Karjanmaa-Ajo (G1)
- Åulot Prix (G2)
- Kesä-Ajo (G3)
- Övrebothnia Stakes (G3)
- Routanmaa-Ajo (G3)
- West Åulot Derby (G3)
- Kristian-Ajo (L)
- Prix de Carjanie (L)
