Flying Aquangel and Géza were the two most promising contenders of the main race.Continue reading
Just a few weeks after the 102nd Hungarian Derby, Budapest’s Kincsem Park hosted another major equestrian event, the Austrian Donau Derby. This race saw a historic double as Géza, who won the Hungarian Derby, also triumphed in the Austrian Derby, showcasing exceptional form.
The event took place on a sunny Sunday afternoon. The grandstands filled up gradually, and by the time the major races began, the atmosphere was lively and engaging. The main race of the day unfolded as expected, however before the main race familiar horses delivered a series of surprises. In the second race, the favorites Irdatlan, Aprópénz, and Préri Lady were overtaken by Arabika, who surged to victory with a strong final run.
Géza with its jockey, Stanislav Georgiev and owners after winning the Donau Derby. Photo: MTI / Hegedüs Róbert
The day also featured an amateur race, though two participants were recalled before it started. Speedy Gonzalez displayed the same unpredictable form seen in the Hungarian Derby, while Aduász, who had finished second previously, slipped back—likely due to a different rider. Leila Czene, who had also finished second in the amateur race of the Hungarian Derby, delivered an outstanding performance, riding Lucnaor to victory.
In the main race, Géza was again ridden by Stanislav Georgiev, who had previously secured a third-place finish on Ráadás in one of the earlier races that day. After a week’s rest following the Hungarian Derby, Géza maintained his excellent form.
Georgiev employed a strategic approach, keeping Géza in the middle of the field until the final third of the 2,400m race, then accelerating strongly in the last 400 meters to clinch the win.
Travel Han and Hermion finished in second place, while Flying Aquangel, a strong contender from the Hungarian Derby, placed fourth.
Charge of the hussars. Photo: MTI / Hegedüs Róbert
Throughout the day, the Nádasdy Regiment and other traditionalist hussars performed demonstrations, including a real hussar charge, and the atmosphere of the Austro-Hungarian Empire was brought to life by the Deutschmeister Regiment band.
Hungary Today; Featured Image: MTI / Hegedüs Róbert