Bay Nalçakan is the Champion of the 100th Gazi Derby

The Gazi Derby, Türkiye's longest-running sporting event, was held for the 100th time this year. Run uninterruptedly since 1927 in honor of the founder of the Republic of Türkiye, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the Derby continues to celebrate Atatürk's love of horses and his enduring commitment to sport. This historic tradition was once again held with profound respect and gratitude.

Bay Nalçakan (Torok – Kassama / Nayef), owned by Emrah Nalçakan, bred by Gençay Dilek Emirsoy, trained by Hikmet Turan, and ridden by jockey Halis Karataş, won the 100th Gazi Derby at the Istanbul Veliefendi Racecourse on Sunday, June 28, in front of a record-breaking crowd of more than 67,500 racing fans.

The bay colt won the race in 2:29.49, securing his place in Turkish racing history. Following his victory in the G2 Mehmet Akif Ersoy Stakes, Bay Nalçakan recorded his second consecutive Group race success and the fourth victory of his career.

With this triumph, Halis Karataş celebrated the seventh Gazi Derby victory of his remarkable career.

In the 2,400-meter turf race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds, Rabovo (Kırcaali – Monshau / Temple City), finished the race as second with Ahmet Çelik. Ersele Beyi (General Quarters – Kedi Kız / Discreet Cat) as second with Ercan Çankaya, Brando (Papa Clem – Ateş Girl / Always A Classic) with Eray Çizik and Upamecano (Epaulette – Elif Hatun / Yavuzstar), with Gökhan Kocakaya as fifth. The margins of the race were 3 lengths, ½ length, a neck, and 1 length.

In addition to the 50 million TL winner's purse, the connections of Bay Nalçakan earned a total of 126,870,000 TL, including the 100th Gazi Derby Special Anniversary Award (50 million TL), entry fee allocations, installment payments, and owner premiums.

Click here to watch the 100th Gazi Derby (Open G1/TUR).

At the post-race prize presentation ceremony, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Gümen, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry and Vice Chairman of the Board of High Stewards, presented the 100th Gazi Derby Trophy to the winning owner, Emrah Nalçakan.

Mustafa Kaya, Deputy Governor of Istanbul, presented the trainer’s award to Olga Nalçakan, on behalf of trainer Hikmet Turan.

General Bahtiyar Ersay, Commander of the Istanbul Army and Istanbul Garrison, presented the jockey's award to Halis Karataş.

Among those attending the prize giving ceremony in the Winner's Circle were Mehmet Mehdi Eker, Member of the Presidential Board of Agriculture and Food Policies; Serdal Adalı, President of the Jockey Club of Türkiye; Members of the Executive Board of the Jockey Club of Türkiye; and other guests.

As part of the traditional Elegance and Style Contest, jury Zeynep Kartal selected Yasemin Gebeş, Gizem Karayel, and Cemre Geze as the winners, while Ceylin Aslan Beyaz and Deniz Küçükel were honored in the youth category.

Prior to the Derby, apprentice jockeys of the Ekrem Kurt Apprentice Training Center performed their traditional parade.

Following his historic victory, owner Emrah Nalçakan placed Bay Nalçakan's horseshoe on the Wall of Champions, commemorating the colt's triumph in the 100th Gazi Derby.