Prolific jockey Gennady Pesterev has taken part in over ten horse races in a single day
In the frigid expanses of Yakutia, also known as the Sakha Republic, a rich cultural tradition of horse breeding and riding thrives. This region, situated in the Far East of Russia, is home to numerous equestrian events and festivals that are integral to its culture. Among the notable figures that have emerged from this equestrian scene, two stand out: the legendary jockey Gennady Pesterev, and the unforgettable horse, Bayasar Bars.
Gennady Pesterev, affectionately known as Kaannappyy, is a legendary jockey from Yakutia. Despite his international and mainstream achievements remaining relatively undocumented, he has left an indelible mark on the region's horse racing industry. Pesterev, a local hero, has reportedly participated in more than ten races in a day, a testament to his unparalleled endurance and skill.
Bayasar Bars, on the other hand, is a horse of extraordinary talent. Born in 2018, with Baritone as his sire and Successfull Debut as his dam, Bars has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with on the racetrack. His career began at a young age, with Bars winning all 12 or 14 races in a big race held in Meginsky village around 1986 when he was just 19. His trainer, Sergei Vasilyev, and jockey, Valentin Ivanov, have played crucial roles in shaping Bars into the champion he is today.
Bars' achievements are numerous. He won the Head of Yakutia Prize in 2023 and 2024, the Leeghi Cup in 2024, and was a prize-winner of the Ministry of Agriculture Cup and Viluy Cup. In 2024, he also won the Ensei Cup, an honour that was previously bestowed upon Iorten in 2025. Tragically, Iorten, another remarkable horse, died in a car accident later that year. Iorten raced for "Saha tent" and won the first two official derbies held in Yakutia, in 1989 on Radan and in 1990 on Strochka.
Bars' strength, character, and fighting spirit were evident in his performances. During races, he would lose between 3 to 5 kilograms in weight, yet he always managed to place in the top three. This resilience was particularly showcased last year when Bars surprised everyone by competing in Yakutsk, Churapcha, Suntar, and again in Yakutsk, covering a thousand kilometers by car.
Sadly, Bayasar Bars, the horse, has recently retired from horse racing, concluding his stable career. Iorten, the chestnut stallion, is for sale, having been born in 2017 (sire Storm Shelter, dam Fantasy).
Despite their retirements, the legacies of Gennady Pesterev and Bayasar Bars live on in the hearts of the Yakutian people, and their stories serve as a testament to the rich equestrian traditions and talents that thrive in this remote and fascinating region.
Gennady Pesterev, even beyond retirement, continues to be a legendary figure in the sports of horse-racing and racing, renowned for his unparalleled endurance and skill in the region of Yakutia. Bayasar Bars, an unforgettable horse in the world of horse-racing, won numerous prestigious cups such as the Head of Yakutia Prize, the Leeghi Cup, and the Ensei Cup, demonstrating his extraordinary talent and fighting spirit in the sport of horse-racing.
