The National Gallop: Country’s Prestigious Horse Race begins Friday.
The 17th National Gallop, a traditional equestrian event in Hungary, has been extended to three days this year and is set to begin on Friday at the Lipica Equestrian Center in Szilvásvárad, located in northern Hungary.
Kristóf Szotyori Nagy, the race director, highlighted that this year’s National Gallop holds special significance as it commemorates the Thirteen Martyrs of Arad. The final day of the race falls on October 6, which is observed as the national day of mourning in remembrance of the Thirteen Martyrs of Arad.
The Thirteen Martyrs of Arad were a group of officers who were executed in Arad, Romania, in 1849 by the Austrian army following the Hungarian Revolution and the War of Independence of 1848-1849. Their sacrifice has become a symbol of Hungarian nationalism and resistance against foreign oppression.
The venue for this year’s National Gallop, the Lipica Equestrian Center in Szilvásvárad, has been chosen for its excellent grounds that prioritize the health and safety of the horses. The center can accommodate up to 300 horses for multiple days of competition, providing a great viewing experience for spectators.
The main objective of the National Gallop is to revive Hungary’s equestrian traditions and showcase them in a modern light. The event brings together riders from various regions, including Transylvania, Vojvodina, Moravia, and Slovakia, creating a platform for friendly competition and cultural exchange.
The final of the 17th National Gallop will be broadcast live on Sunday on the Duna TV channel, with highlights from the preceding days available on the M4 sports channel and the public media platform MédiaKlikk. The National Gallop is a unique event that celebrates Hungary’s rich equestrian heritage and serves as a reminder of the country’s enduring spirit and resilience.
