Anette Frønes will represent Norway when the European Championships for female jockeys are held at Kincsem Park in Budapest on May 8 and 9. The Skien woman already has two European Championship gold medals and is now looking for another triumph in the international trotting championship.
This weekend, some of Europe's top female amateur jockeys will gather in Hungary when the European Championship is held over two days at the traditional Kincsem Park in Budapest.
The European Trotting Amateur Drivers Championship is organized by FEGAT (European Trotting Amateur Drivers Federation), which organizes international amateur trotting championships. In recent years, the championship has received increasing attention, while female trotting drivers are making a stronger mark both nationally and internationally.
For Norway, the championship means a new opportunity to assert itself in European trotting sport. Norwegian jockeys have proven themselves competitive internationally in recent years, and interest in women's participation in the trotting community is growing.
Kincsem Park is considered Hungary's national arena for trotting and galloping, and the track is named after the legendary "Kincsem" – the horse that is still referred to as one of the most winning galloping horses in history.
The championship rotates between different European host countries. Norway itself was the organizer in 2023, while previous editions of the European Championship have been held in Sweden, Denmark, Italy and the Netherlands, among others.
Participants will compete in several races over the two championship days, with a points system determining the overall winner. The format places great demands on tactical judgment, adaptability and collaboration with different horses and trainers.
International trotting championships like this also give jockeys valuable experience through encounters with different riding styles and trotting communities from all over Europe.
– Such championships mean a lot both in terms of sport and socially. It is an arena where you make contacts and at the same time get to compete against strong drivers from other countries, say several players in the European amateur community.
In recent years, FEGAT has worked actively to strengthen amateur sport and increase the visibility of female jockeys in European trotting sport. The European Championships for Female Jockeys have become an important showcase for this commitment.
The races in Budapest are held on Friday and Saturday.
Anette Frønes goes for her third European Championship gold medal
When the European Championships for female riders are held in Hungary on May 8th and 9th, experienced Anette Frønes will represent Norway.
Frønes starts in Budapest with two European Championships already on her list of achievements. Now she is going for her third European Championship gold in international trotting.
– I know a little bit about how the withdrawal works, so I knew there was a chance it would be me. But it's always extra fun when it actually becomes a reality, says Frønes.
For Frønes, this year's championship will be extra special. She won her second European Championship gold medal when Norway hosted the championship in 2023.
Small margins decide in international trotting
In international championships, it's not just about your own skills. Horsemanship and quick judgment can be crucial.
– The draw of horses means a lot, so you have to have a little luck there. In some championships there is a significant difference between the horses, explains Frønes.
She says that experience, tactical assessments and the ability to read both the race and competitors often become crucial when the level is so even.
Although she describes her participation as a bonus, her ambitions are clear.
– I'm such a competitive person that I naturally go for victory. It would have been absolutely crazy to win for the third time.
Frønes will be Norway's only participant in this year's championship, and is looking forward to representing the Norwegian colors in Budapest.
Facts: European Championships for female drivers
- Organized by FEGAT
- Host 2026: Hungary
- Venue: Kincsem Park, Budapest
- Date: May 8–9
- Norway hosted the championship in 2023
We wish Anette Frønes the best of luck in Budapest.
