Cutha is the 99th Gazi Derby Champion

Gazi Derby (G1), being organized uninterruptedly for 99 years in honour of the founder of our Republic, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, was held on Sunday, 29 June 2025 at the Veliefendi Racecourse, with the participation of over 60.000 racing fans.

Gazi Derby, the most important challenge of 3-years-olds was held on 2400 meters on turf track with the participation of 22 thoroughbreds.

Cutha (Victoire Pisa - Suzi Diomand / Azaraks) bred and owned by Hulusi Çil, trained by Yaşar Demir, won the race with his jockey Ahmet Çelik with a finish time of 2.30.28. Jockey Ahmet Çelik got his 8th  Gazi Derby victory. The Derby winning record is held by Mümin Çelik, with 9 Gazi Derby victories.

Please click  here to watch the race.

Handsome King (Victoire Pisa - Nadire / Win River Win) finished the race in second place with Hışman Çizik and followed by Special Man (Luxor - Kızım Melike / Kaneko) with Vedat Abiş, Belgrathan (Graystorm - Santa Pekan / Sri Pekan) with Ali Kaçmaz and Brain Brooster (Victoire Pisa - Nona / Luxor) with Özcan Yıldırım.

The owner received over 55 Million Turkish Lira, including the entry fees, first prize, owner’s and breeder’s premiums. The margins of the race were 1/2 Lengths – Head – 2 Lengths - 1 Length.

Prof. Dr. Ahmet Gümen, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry and Vice President of Board of High Stewards presented the trophy to Hulusi Çil, the winning owner, who is also a Permanent Member of TJK.

Davut Gül, Governor of İstanbul, presented a plate to Yaşar Demir, the winning trainer.

Full General Metin Tokel, First Army and Istanbul Garrison Commander and Nuri Aslan, Deputy Mayor of İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality, presented a plate to Ahmet Çelik, the winning jockey.

Serdal Adalı, President of the Jockey Club of Türkiye, Murat Birol Kayim, General Coordinator of Board of High Stewards, Executive Board Members of the Jockey Club of Türkiye attended the prize giving ceremony.