Based on the NZZ feature, including Dr Ariel Sergio Davidoff of Davidoff Law

From Zurich’s Dielsdorf racecourse to the grand stages of Royal Ascot and the Kentucky Derby, horse racing remains one of the few traditions that still bring people together across class and culture. Once a mass phenomenon in Switzerland, racing now blends nostalgia with renewed prestige, attracting investors, families and enthusiasts alike. The atmosphere is as diverse as it is vibrant — elegant hats and polished boots meet denim jackets and betting slips, united by the shared thrill of the gallop.

Dr Ariel Sergio Davidoff, Co-President of the Zurich Racing Association and Partner at Davidoff Law, describes horse racing as a sport that unites not the animals, but the people. His passion for the racecourse reflects a broader appreciation for the social and economic fabric of Pferderennen — a space where community, tradition and risk intersect. At the same time, sponsorships and operational costs pose challenges, but the resilience of the Swiss racing scene endures, fuelled by dedication rather than profit.

As one racegoer quipped when asked if he had won that day: Experience. It remains the perfect summary of Pferderennen — not just a contest of horses, but a living expression of human connection.

Read the full German feature in Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ) or download the article as a PDF.