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Sand will fly on the beaches of Sanlucar de Barrameda, Spain, Friday through Sunday as racehorses compete during the first round of the famous Carreras de Caballos de Sanlucar horse races.

Popular legend has it that the origins of the races go back to the 1800s when fishmongers raced to see who could get to market first. Now the races attract horses and riders from all over Europe, and stakes are high, with spectators betting thousands of euros on favorites.

On each day at 6 p.m., spectators will cheer as riders race along a stretch of sand at the mouth of the Rio Guadalquivir. It’s free to watch the race, but get there early to stake out a good place for viewing; the town’s hotels will be packed with race enthusiasts.

Can’t make it this time? You can catch the second round of races from Aug. 16 to 18, plus a big public party afterward.

Get more details, including shuttle information from Jerez airport, at www.sanlucar-de- barrameda.com/beach-horse-racing.

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