Gazi Derby, the most prestigious race in Turkish racing calendar, has been run since 1927. It is a race that commemorates Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic and a keen supporter of horse racing. One of the Leaders most quoted expressions was that “horse racing is a social need for modern societies.” Therefore it was an immense pleasure for the representatives of Templeton Stud to witness the 84th renewal of the race on June 28th.
We would like to say many thanks to the Turkish Jockey Club for their exceptional hospitality. During the weekend all international guests had the opportunity to visit Karacabey Stud farm and Izmit Stallion Station and were treated with sumptuous dinners and lunches. It was also a great occasion to catch up with delegates from other countries, especially our good friend Azedine Sedrati from Morocco.
Besides the official program, Caroline Green enjoyed a very warm welcome at the stud farm of Araci’s – invaluable Templeton supporters for almost two years.
On Sunday afternoon Turkish President Mr. Abdullah Gul saw an amazing Mystical Storm win the Gazi Derby. The daughter of Unaccounted For has won 8 of her 13 starts including the Turkish 1000 Guineas and Turkish Oaks. Mystical Storm now has put herself in line for the Turkish Triple Crown, which consists of Turkish Guineas or Oaks, Gazi Derby and The Turkish St. Leger (Ankara Kosusu) to be run on 28th September at Ankara.
Acknowledging the well deserved success of the filly, Templeton Stud has been holding their fingers crossed for another runner in the Derby: Hakkar, a Halling colt out of Sadler’s Wells mare Valleria. Having had a very successful 2-year-old career the colt was considered as favourite for the Derby already end 2009. Therefore his breeder Mr Havi Yavas sent Valleria back to England to be covered again by Halling and boarded her at our Newmarket base - Mertoun Paddocks. She is now well in foal and will soon return to Turkey.
