RENÉ PIECHULEK
11.02.2026
"White Turf is far more than a race." Top jockey René Piechulek on frozen hands, pure adrenaline, and his unforgettable victory with Jungleboogie. A love letter to the frozen lake.
Take a lake of 765,000 sq.m. with a depth of 44m, and ice of 40 to 80 cm thickness, plus constructions weighing more than 3,000 tons. At the sight of the exciting events on the perfectly prepared race track and during the varied, colourful accompanying programme in the event area of 130,000 sq.m., with its gigantic tent city, more than one visitor forgets that the White Turf takes place on a "natural basis"!
Spectacularly beautiful scenes are shown on all continents when the daring women and men take on the 2,700 m (1.68-mile) course behind their speedy horses - usually under a clear blue sky in splendid winter weather conditions - in the alpine countryside covered with deep snow.
The last discipline to join the horseraces of St. Moritz were the gallop races, a long time after the Skikjöring and the trotting races had been established. It is not easy to determine, which of the slightly nervous horses can best cope with the unusual surface. They must be calme and nevertheless show a fighting spirit.
Light Norwegian sledges were utilized at that time, since conventional wheels, as used on sand and grass, could not be considered for the snow and ice surface. Nowadays, the sulkies are fitted with aluminium blades, in order to make them as light as possible for the horses‘ special gait around the track.
Locals and holidaymakers savour the flair and the ambiance of the magnificent Alpine surroundings. The sponsors appreciate White Turf as an excellent platform for their customers and guests. In other words, White Turf is simply a quality event not to be missed.
1'800m
25-40m
50-80cm
"White Turf is far more than a race." Top jockey René Piechulek on frozen hands, pure adrenaline, and his unforgettable victory with Jungleboogie. A love letter to the frozen lake.
18 victories, an unforgettable mare, and a "Dream Team" for the ages. The history of Stall Zürichsee is inextricably linked to White Turf. A look back at the golden era of Köbi Broger and Volta.
For over a century, the White Turf has been making history on the frozen lake. It is more than an event; it is the mirror of St. Moritz. A story of courage, pioneering spirit, and an unbreakable bond.