Nemzeti Vágta a Hősök terén, Budapest 2015. Szeptember 18-20.

New Hungarian and transborder locations in the programme of National Gallop in 2019

This year riders and the lovers of the Hungarian equestrian tradition will enjoy again the National Gallop. The riders can qualify at 16 locations for the final event in Budapest. In 2019, the competition expanded to another transborder town, riders of Eszék could show their talent for the audience.

The qualifying series started on May 18th at Topolya in the Vojvodina Gallop. In 2018 the champion was Arnold Nagy from Temerin, who was the winner of Vojvodina Galoppe. This year new locations joined the team of National Gallop: Érd and Eszék. The qualifying rounds will take place between May 18th and August 25th. The winners of the competitions have the opportunity to take part in the main race between the 19–20th October at the Heroes’ Square in Budapest. This year’s National Gallop will be organised in October instead of September because of the recovery of the Városliget area, the event’s usual location.

Similarly to the previous years, the organisers chose a significant historical figure as the emblematic face of the event. Last year the emblematic figure of the event was Artúr Görgei because of the 200th anniversary of his birth. In 2019, the icon of National Gallop is Lajos Kazinczy, the 15th Martyr of Arad after the Hungarian revolution of 1848–49. On October 25th in 1849, the writer Ferenc Kazinczy’s 29 years old son, Lajos Kazinczy was executed in Arad. The young colonel took part in the Battle of Pákozd. He was a Brigadier General of György Klapka in the spring campaign. Lajos Kazinczy was also Commandant of Castle of Komárom. Finally, he capitulated in front of the Russian General officer, Grotenhjelm, in Zsibó. Because of his military service in the winning battle of Nagysalló in April 1849, he received the Hungarian Order of Merit.

National Gallop is a unique horse festival based on Hungarian tradition, culture, tourism, gastronomy, and history. Its aim is to vivificate the riding tradition and build the image of Hungary. At the racecourse by Heroes’ Square there will be a wide range of colourful programmes: for example, performances of traditional Hungarian hussars or amateur riding competitions. At Andrássy street, participating cities will present their national costumes, sights of town, folk art, and riding traditions.

The entrance to the square is free of charge. For the programme and the ticket prices for the tribune please visit our website: vagta.hu.