Kajaanin harness racing track to continue operations despite loss of funding

The Kainuu Racecourse company will maintain its activities, though on a smaller scale, after its board unanimously decided on Wednesday evening to continue operations without state subsidies, reports Finnish public broadcaster Yle.

The racecourse in Kuluntalahti, about 10 km north of Kajaani, had faced an uncertain future after the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry denied its application for operational and prize funding for 2026—a sum exceeding €200,000. The decision left the financially struggling Kainuun Ravirata Oy without critical support, as the company had failed to meet funding criteria for 2024.

Emmi Manninen, chair of the racecourse board, confirmed the unanimous decision to proceed with local races and events, albeit in a reduced format. “The board decided unanimously that the racecourse company’s operations will continue as before—I’m very pleased about that,” Manninen said.

Cost-cutting measures, including significant reductions in wage expenses, have been underway for months, with volunteers contributing to keep the track viable. Manninen expressed confidence that local businesses and communities would provide further support to ensure survival.

This summer’s harness racing will be more limited in scope. Last autumn, Kajaani hosted local races for the first time in years, drawing 61 participants—a model the track plans to follow. “We’ll continue on that path. I believe in next summer,” Manninen said.

Earlier, Suomen Hippos, Finland’s trotting authority, had decided not to allocate official race days to Kuluntalahti for 2024. Two of the planned race days were relocated to nearby tracks, and two were cancelled entirely.