After more than a decade of decay, overgrowth and legal limbo, the once-glamorous Hipódromo de la Costa del Sol in Mijas is about to have a dramatic transformation.
On December 1, Mijas Council unanimously voted to dissolve Recursos Turísticos de Mijas S.A., the insolvent company that managed the 380,000-square-metre facility since the 1990s. The move, after a share donation from Unicaja Banco, hands full ownership and control back to the council, so as to end the long-lasting bankruptcy saga that began in 2018.
The hipódromo, which opened in 1999 as Spain’s number one winter horse racing venue, drew crowds of up to 7,000 in its heyday with its 1.7-kilometre track and grandstands. However, financial woes, worsened by the 2008 crisis, led to mounting debts exceeding €3 million, which halted races in 2013. Left abandoned, the site devolved into what locals dubbed a “war zone”, plagued by vandalism, overgrown weeds, and structural decay. Restoring it for racing alone could cost €3.5 million, officials estimate.
Hippodrome to come galloping back
Yet, hope is galloping back. Mayor Ana Mata has said the dissolution is a “historic turning point“, stressing that the facility will operate normally in the interim. Existing amenities like the equinotherapy centre, municipal gym, athletics track, and Samuel Oliva showjumping school will continue serving local residents. Weekly flea markets and karting events continue, keeping the grounds alive amid the ruins.
The real excitement lies ahead: In recent months, the council has fielded up to four private-sector proposals to breathe new life into the site. The visionary plans hope to reposition the hipódromo as a multifaceted hub, with horses reclaiming the spotlight through equestrian events, training, and competitions. Integrated leisure activities could include sports complexes, family-friendly activities, and tourism draws.
The council have urged caution, though: “We’ve learnt from past mistakes. This is about sustainable growth for Mijans.” A public ideas contest or tender process is due to launch soon, potentially unlocking investments to realise these blueprints by mid-2026.
As El Hipódromo neighbourhood is spreading inland with luxury developments, with sea-view apartments and eco-villas, the site’s revival could supercharge Mijas’ sports tourism economy.