For many years, I have been drawn back to St. Moritz every February—to the frozen lake where the snow crunches, the sun glitters over the Engadine mountains, and adrenaline vibrates in the clear winter air. Despite the cold, we always return. Because White Turf is far more than a race—it is an experience that unites the heart and soul of equestrian sport like no other place on earth.
René Piechulek and “Jungleboogie” after their triumph in the Gübelin 77th Grand Prix of St. Moritz 2016—an unforgettable moment.
How often have we frozen in our thin breeches, unable to feel our feet and hands from the cold? Yet, we all keep coming back. What fascinates me anew every year is this unique blend of elegance, passion, and courage. Here, tradition meets pioneering spirit—horses, trainers, owners, and riders from all over the world come together to make the impossible possible on ice and snow.
Every start on the frozen lake is a moment full of respect—for nature, for the horse, for the risk. White Turf is a place where sport turns into emotion. The atmosphere, the light, the scenery—they are incomparable. It is this sense of freedom, challenge, and pride that leads me back here time and again.
One moment remains unforgettable: the victory with Jungleboogie in the GP St. Moritz in 2016. I am grateful to be part of this history—a story that has inspired and connected people for over a hundred years.
White Turf is not just a race on ice—it is a symbol of courage, passion, and the magic of horse racing in its purest form.
René Piechulek
jockey
