Over 750 meetings and around 6,400 races are held each year for Thoroughbreds and Purebred Arabians, with over 4 billion Turkish Lira (TL) (USD 115 million*) distributed as prize money, including the s for owners and breeders.
Gazi Derby, the top event of Turkish Racing, has been organised on the last Sunday of June uninterruptedly since 1927. It is considered to be the most prestigious race for Thoroughbreds and offers a total purse of TL 23.6 million (USD 678,000*).
Istanbul Racing Festival, organised during the first weekend of September at the Istanbul Veliefendi Racecourse, is another major racing event. The Festival includes seven international races – five of which are Group Races for Thoroughbreds, and one Group race for Purebred Arabians.
* As at the end of 2024
