How Popular Is Horse Racing in Hungary?

Horse racing is a sport that has a rich heritage in Hungary. It dates back to the 19th century, and it continues to prove popular, like many European countries in the region.

Here is a look at the history of the sport in the country and some of the events Hungarian fans look forward to the most.

Passion For Horse Racing

Hungarian horse racing fans have a strong passion for the sport and tune in to watch some of the major international events such as the Breeders’ Cup, Derby, and Grand National. The latter is the most famous steeplechase in the world, with lots of Hungarians looking forward to this race more than any other each year.

Many Hungarians will tune into this year’s Grand National to see if Corach Rambler can defend the crown he won in the race in 2023. The defending champion is the +500 favorite for those placing Grand National bets.

CORACH RAMBLER WINS THE 2023 GRAND NATIONAL 🏇 pic.twitter.com/IXDzrs9BK4

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) April 15, 2023

The horse racing results show that Corach Rambler finished third in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the most prestigious race on the National Hunt calendar, on his latest outing. He will head to Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool bidding to become only the third horse in the last 50 years to win back-to-back renewals of the marathon contest.

Kincsem Park

The most prominent racecourse in Hungary is Kincsem Park which is based in Budapest. It is described as “the most beautiful racecourse in Eastern Europe”. It is home to the Hungarian Derby which takes place annually in early July.

The Hungarian Derby features the best thoroughbreds in Hungary. It is open to three-year-old colts and fillies. The race takes place over a distance of 2,400 meters. It attracts a big crowd as racegoers enjoy seeing the best of that year’s generation.

Frankie Dettori delights fans with a double on British horses during trip to Hungary https://t.co/CO6hfPYXEx pic.twitter.com/3JbIBzL0Kk

— Mirror Racing (@MirrorRacing) September 2, 2023

In what was his farewell tour in Europe, one of the most successful jockeys in history, Frankie Dettori, rode at the Autumn International meeting at Kincsem Park in 2023. The Italian, who has ridden 287 Group One winners, rode a double on the card. 

Legendary Hungarian Horse

The most famous horse in Hungarian history is Kincsem, a winner of the Hungarian Two Thousand Guineas, Hungarian One Thousand Guineas, Hungarian Autumn Oaks, and Hungarian St Leger. The filly still holds the international record for the longest undefeated record in her career. When she retired in 1887, she did so with a 54-0 record.

Not only is Kincsem a national icon and a household name, but she is considered one of the greatest horses of the 19th century. Her record has not been close to being broken, with Australian sprinter Black Caviar getting the nearest, winning all 25 of her races on the track.

With 16 victories from 19 starts, Overdose has been the most successful modern-day horse in Hungary. In his first start at Kincsem Park, he broke the track record, winning by 18 lengths. Some newspapers referred to him as the “Hungarian Seabiscuit” as he often won his races by such a large margin of victory.

Horse racing fans in Hungary will be hoping to see another Kincsem or Overdose emerge in 2024. This will help bring an even wider audience to the sport in the country.