Competition and sophistication intertwine once more in the 99th iteration of the Gazi Race with its ever-enduring rivalries reviving.
The Gazi Race, a revered event in Turkish horse racing, once again took centre stage at Istanbul's Veliefendi Race Course on June 29. This prestigious event, now in its 99th year, is a testament to the country's rich equine tradition and its enduring connection to the legacy of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founding father of modern Turkey [1].
This year's race saw a thrilling victory by "Cutha," ridden by jockey Ahmet Çelik, who secured his eighth career victory in the Gazi Race. Çelik's win moves him one step closer to equaling the all-time record of nine wins, held by legendary jockey Mümin Çılgın [2]. After the race, an elated Çelik declared that this victory was "written on our foreheads" [5].
The Gazi Race transcends the realm of sport, offering a unique blend of rivalry, elegance, and pageantry. The event is not just about competition; it is a deep-rooted tradition that celebrates the spirit of the racecourse. Female attendees, in particular, uphold a long-standing tradition by donning chic outfits and hats, transforming the race into a refined social occasion [1].
The race is also a significant cultural and social event, with celebrities and public figures often in attendance. This year, Ceren Benderlioğlu, another Turkish actress, and Sibel Taşçıoğlu, an actress and voice artist, expressed their excitement about the Gazi Race [4]. Benderlioğlu stated that they were at the Gazi Race to represent their founder for the 99th time.
Financially, the Gazi Race has reached remarkable status as one of Europe’s highest-paying derbies. This year's total prize money exceeded 46 million Turkish Liras, approximately €1.9 million (around $1.2 million USD) [3], making it an important economic event within Turkish horse racing.
The Gazi Race holds immense symbolic value, as winners and participants often express pride in competing "in the name of our great leader." This sentiment underscores the race’s role in Turkish national identity and collective memory [1].
In conclusion, the Gazi Race represents the pinnacle of Turkish thoroughbred racing, a deep connection to Turkish national pride and the legacy of Atatürk, a significant cultural and social event, and an economically important race with substantial financial rewards, now recognized as one of Europe’s richest derbies.
In this year's Gazi Race, the prestigious equine event celebrated its 99th anniversary at the Veliefendi Race Course, blending sports like horse-racing and football into a social occasion of rivalry, elegance, and pageantry. Notably, jockey Ahmet Çelik clinched a thrilling victory on "Cutha," securing his eighth career win in the Gazi Race and moving one step closer to equaling the nine-time record of legendary jockey Mümin Çılgın.
