The key moment of the season at Tor Służewiec. The stakes are huge!

In the world of horse racing, the Derby holds a special place. It is said to be the most important race in every horse's career. A horse only has a chance to start in it, and thus win, once, at the age of three. The best horses of their age and jockeys meet over a distance of 2,400 meters, fighting to win one of the biggest laurels of their careers.

• Read also: This is an important heritage that is worth cultivating and developing

The Westminster Derby, as this year's race for the blue ribbon is officially called, is attracting the attention of spectators from all over Poland. Ahead of us is a competition that arouses great emotions both among the audience in the stands and among the owners and breeders of horses, for whom victory is the fulfillment of dreams and years of hard work.

The Derby Gala is the most elegant racing event in Poland. On this day, the Służewiec Track resembles the British Royal Ascot – the historic Honorary Grandstand becomes a stage where fashion, style and hats reign supreme. Additionally, in the Racing Fashion Zone, every style lover can draw inspiration and try on unique fascinators.

Although the main attraction of the Gala is the Westminster Derby, the program of the day offers much more. Guests can expect nine exceptional races, horse presentations, a fashion zone and many attractions for children, including hobby horse training.

The Tor will also feature food and beverage zones and relaxation areas, making the Gala Derby a great idea for a weekend getaway with family and friends.

Although racing is associated with the elite, Gala Derby is open to everyone – from regulars, through horse lovers, to those who simply want to experience something exceptional. Thanks to the open formula of the event and the rich program, it is also an excellent proposition for those who visit the Tor for the first time.

It is worth booking this day – July 6 – and seeing that the Gala Derby is a great sports spectacle, a unique atmosphere, and a story about passion and style. Tickets are available at www.torsluzewiec.pl from PLN 6.

The season is in full swing at the Służewiec Track. The Derby Gala marks the first half of the 2025 season. Each weekend brings intense emotions and builds tension in the championships. There is a fierce battle for the leadership position among riders and trainers. The halfway point of the season is a good time to take a look at the pace of competition on the track and in the stables.

The 2025 racing season at the Służewiec Track is a fascinating competition for riders. The current leader of the championship is Kumushbek Dogdurbek Uulu, who won the jockey title a few weeks ago, winning his 100th race in his career. Right behind him is Sanzhar Abaev, a decorated rider, winner of the Westminster Derby in 2023, among others. Erbol Zamudin Uulu is also on the podium, having his second great season in a row. The top five are closed by Temur Kumarbek Uulu, a young, talented Kyrgyz, and Szczepan Mazur, the most decorated Polish jockey in recent years.

In the trainers' classification, Maciej Jodłowski continues to have a strong position, skillfully leading horses through the successive points of the season. Adam Wyrzyk, who has been building a reputation as one of the most effective trainers for years, is in second place. Cornelia Fraisl is also doing great, confirming that women are a force in racing. Fourth place is occupied by Janusz Kozłowski, an experienced trainer whose horses regularly rank among the leaders. The top five trainers are rounded out by Marlena Stanisławska, who, despite having little experience as a trainer, dazzled the racing community with her victory in the 2023 Wielka Warszawska.

In addition to the classic races, the Służewiec racing calendar also includes racing series, of which at least two deserve special attention.

Women Power Series is a series of races designed exclusively for female riders, which promotes the role of women in racing and inspires young female riders to fulfill their dreams. The series began on May 18 and will last until September 28, with a grand finale on the day of the Great Warsaw Race. The next Women Power Series races will take place on July 27 and August 31. The series is gaining importance and interest from the media and the public from season to season. The leader of the ranking after the first two races is Oliwia Szarłat. Behind her on the podium are Anna Gil and Agnieszka Tokarek.

There is also a special space for young riders at Służewiec. It is created by student races: a series of races for those who have not yet won 25 victories in their career. This is an important stage of preparation for a further career: thanks to competition and the support of coaches, young adepts learn discipline, tactics and responsibility.

The first months of the season are behind us, and will soon be crowned by the July Derby Gala. Important events and races that we will be able to watch at Służewiec this season include, above all:

• Arab Day August 24,
• 4th Galopfest Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival, September 13–14,
• The Great Warsaw, September 28,
• Mokotów Prize on October 26.

The championships remain open and the competition is gaining momentum. You can follow it both from the stands and on Equi TV on YouTube.

They consist of competition between horses ridden by riders – jockeys – over a specified distance. In Poland, flat races (i.e. without obstacles) are most often held over distances from 1,000 to 3,000 meters. Depending on the breed of horse, there are races for English thoroughbreds (thoroughbreds), purebred Arabian horses, half-bred horses (Anglo-Arabians) and French trotters. Races are also held in distinction to the age, sex and achievements of the horses.

The racing season in Poland lasts from April to November, and its heart is the Służewiec Racecourse in Warsaw – a place with over 80 years of history and a unique atmosphere. This is where the most important races of the season are held: the Derby (July 6), the Great Warsaw Racecourse (September 28) and the Europe Prize (August 24), and the passion for racing is passed down from generation to generation. From the elegant Honorary Grandstand to the picnic atmosphere of the park – the Służewiec Racecourse is open to anyone who wants to feel the atmosphere of this extraordinary competition. This is a place where you can feel the magic of the past and at the same time participate in modern events at the highest level, as exemplified by the Derby Gala. Races are a space for meetings, style, family attractions and strong emotions.

Although racing is associated with the elite, Tor Służewiec is open to everyone – from experienced, regulars, through horse lovers, to those who simply want to experience something exceptional. Thanks to the open formula of the event and the rich program, it is also an excellent proposition for those who visit the racetrack for the first time.

The add-on was created in commercial cooperation with Totalizator Sportowy Sp. z o. o.