Gazi Race 2026: Turkey’s Most Prestigious Horse Race Celebrates Its 100th Running
On June 28, 2026, the Turkish racing world will celebrate a historic milestone as the 100th running of the Gazi Race (Gazi Koşusu) takes place at Istanbul’s iconic Veliefendi Racecourse.
First held in 1927 in honor of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Republic of Turkey, the Gazi Race has grown into the country’s most prestigious Thoroughbred race and one of the most significant Classic races in Europe. Winning the Gazi Race is considered the ultimate achievement in Turkish horse racing.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
The race is restricted exclusively to three-year-old Thoroughbreds and is contested over 2,400 meters on turf. Because horses are only eligible as three-year-olds, every contender gets just one chance to compete for racing immortality.
This unique format has made the Gazi Race a defining moment in the careers of owners, breeders, trainers, jockeys, and horses alike.
Record Prize Money for the Centennial Edition
The 100th edition will offer one of the richest prize structures in the history of Turkish racing.
The winning owner could receive up to 126.87 million Turkish Lira through prize money, bonuses, and associated premiums. If the winning horse is also bred by its owner, the total earnings can rise to approximately 141.87 million Turkish Lira (around €2.663 million), making this one of the most valuable races ever run in the region.
Veliefendi Racecourse: The Heart of Turkish Racing
The race will be staged at Veliefendi Racecourse in Istanbul, the historic home of Turkish horse racing.
The venue features:
- International-standard turf and synthetic tracks
- Extensive training facilities
- Equine veterinary and rehabilitation services
- Grandstands with tens of thousands of spectator seats
- Hospitality areas, restaurants, cafés, exhibition spaces, and museums
- Dedicated facilities for racing professionals and visitors
Veliefendi has hosted the biggest moments in Turkish racing history for decades and remains the country’s premier horse racing venue.
Anticipated Crowds and International Attention
The 99th Gazi Race attracted more than 60,000 spectators, creating one of the largest crowds in Turkish racing history. With the centennial edition carrying enormous historical significance, attendance figures are expected to exceed previous records.
Beyond the sporting spectacle, the event represents a celebration of Turkish racing heritage, breeding, and equestrian culture, drawing the attention of racing enthusiasts, industry professionals, and international media.
Follow Equine Story for Exclusive Coverage
As the countdown to the 100th Gazi Race continues, Equine Story will bring updates, behind-the-scenes coverage, race-day photography, and insights from one of the most important horse racing events of 2026.
Stay tuned for more stories from Istanbul as the Turkish racing community prepares to write another chapter in the history of the Gazi Race.
