Gazi Race (1927-1960)

Turks, who have deal twith horses through out history, have used this animal in war and peace as a result of life. The prominence of warrior characteristics made harmony with the horse mandatory. It is seen that some horse races were organized in Anatolia in the following period. Competition sheld in Istanbul, Izmir and Manisa have not been regular since the 19th century. During the War of Independence, since Istanbul was under occupation, well-trained horses were taken away by the occupying forces. A race was organized by Atatürk's order in 1920, and it was possible for horse races to become stable during the Republic period. The stud farm established in Bursa Karacabey Farm in 1924 and the High Racing and Breeding Committee under the Prime Ministry in 1926 were extreme lyim portant in terms of horse breeding. With the development of the horse breed, races became regular in 1927. The Gazi Race, which was created with theen cour agement and support of state dignitaries, washeld in Tayyare Square until 1936. The Great Ankara Hippodrome, built at that time, started to host the Gazi Race. I twas named "The Atatürk Race" only in 1937 and 1938, and apart from these two dates, it continue dregularlye very year under the name of Gazi Race. Today, this race, which is regularly held in the name of Ataturk, is runevery year in June.