The Haagse Ooievaar race returned to Renbaan Duindigt on Sunday, 20 September, reviving a tradition that had lapsed for eight years.
The historic challenge prize, featuring a silver stork representing The Hague, was presented by municipal alderman Richard de Mos during the track’s Derby Day programme.
A tradition revived after eight years
Established in 1942 alongside the Wassenaarse Pauw, the trophy was created to mark the bond between Duindigt and The Hague. Archives from the Dutch Trotting and Racing Association confirm the race has featured the silver stork prize since its inception.
The 2026 event marked the first time the race has been held since 2018.
De Mos noted that while the track sits just across the municipal boundary in Wassenaar, it remains an integral part of The Hague’s local heritage.
Over a century of regional racing
Duindigt opened in 1906, taking over after an earlier racecourse at Clingendael closed.
It is currently the only venue in the Netherlands hosting both harness and thoroughbred racing.
Organisers brought the trophy back amid growing public interest in racing, aiming to honour the track’s history and support the sport’s future.
