Historic 100th Gazi Race held in Istanbul with record prize purse
The 100th edition of the Gazi Race, Türkiye’s most prestigious thoroughbred competition and a sporting tradition dedicated to the founder of the republic, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, was held in Istanbul on June 28, marking a historic milestone for Turkish horse racing.
Organized at Veliefendi Racecourse, the centennial edition of the race brought together 22 three-year-old purebred English horses competing on a 2,400-meter grass track — a race that each horse can enter only once during its career. The competition began a new chapter in the history of the event, which has been held since 1927 in the name of Atatürk.
Over the decades, the Gazi Race has become deeply connected with Türkiye’s sporting heritage. Several prominent figures, including former presidents, saw their horses claim victory.
The 100th anniversary race alfeatured a record-breaking prize purse, with the winner receiving 50 million Turkish Liras (around $1 million), while the second, third, fourth and fifth place finishers were awarded 20 million, 10 million, 5 million and 2.5 million liras, respectively.
