The localspeciality is cozido, a rich stew made of kale, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, pork, beef, chicken and sausages, cooked for six to seven hours in the soil's geothermal heat.
Now two London-based Arab women, Rana Salam and Malu Halasa, are shining a spotlight on this little-known localspeciality, with a new book called The Secret Life of Syrian Lingerie.
The race card at each meeting features flat racing, winter-style trotting and the localspeciality, skijoring -- an awkward combination of horse, human and skis which is a clear crowd favorite.