Veliefendi Hippodrome

The Veliefendi Hippodrome in Istanbul, established in 1912, is Turkey's most historically significant horse racing venue and one of the oldest continuously operating racetracks in the Middle East. Located in the Bakırköy district of Istanbul near the European side of the city, Veliefendi hosts Turkey's most prestigious Classic programme — the Turkish Derby (Türkiye Jokey Kulübü Koşusu, run in August), the Gazi Koşusu (Turkey's equivalent of the King George, for older horses), and the Bosphorus Stakes, which has occasionally attracted international raiders from France and the UAE. Turkish racing is administered by the Turkish Jockey Club (TJC) and has developed considerably in the 21st century — attracting investment in facilities, prize money, and bloodstock quality that has produced horses capable of competing at Group level internationally. The track's location between Europe and Asia makes it uniquely positioned as a bridge between European-bred thoroughbreds (the majority of Turkey's racing stock) and Middle Eastern racing markets. Veliefendi's main turf circuit is complemented by an all-weather track for year-round racing, with the peak season running May through October.