TRADITIONAL GALLOP RACES AT THE BIJELJINA HIPPODROME

On Sunday, the Bijeljina Hippodrome "Obrijež" hosted the much-anticipated traditional International Gallop Races, organized by the Vranac Equestrian Club and supported by the City of Bijeljina.

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The event attracted 35 horses from various regions, including Rogatica, Bijeljina, Brčko, Prnjavor, Tuzla, and Gradačac. From Semberija, numerous contenders hailed from local villages such as Dvorovi, Dazdarevo, Međaši, Batković, Trnjak, Velika Obarska, and more.

Despite a generous prize fund encouraging participation, attendance was relatively low due to the official day of mourning in the Republic of Srpska, following the tragic accident in Novi Sad.

The opening race, the 400-meter "Semberski Ratar" (Semberian Farmer), with a prize of 1,000 KM, was won by the horse "Maja 01," ridden by Milica Simić from Velika Obarska's Vranac Equestrian Club. The second place went to "Lasta," owned by Dejan Petrović from Trnjak, and the third to "Cvjetka," with Momir Lazarević as its rider, representing Rade Lazarević from Batković.

Milica Simić continued her winning streak by placing in another race. She shared that her passion for galloping has earned her around fifteen trophies so far. Her brother, Borko Simić, founder and owner of the Vranac Equestrian Club, expressed gratitude to all who attended and supported the event. He noted that six purebred English Thoroughbreds and three Arabian horses participated this year. Special thanks went to the City Administration of Bijeljina, the event’s sponsor, for their support.

For Željko Despotović from Batković, who has been raising Lipizzan horses for over a decade, the event marked a celebration of Semberija’s rich equestrian traditions. "Riding is an exhilarating experience, like two souls becoming one. I’m grateful for these events, which allow us to come together, enjoy beautiful weather, and celebrate this incredible sport," Despotović shared.

The Bijeljina gallop races continue to attract dedicated enthusiasts, preserving a cherished cultural tradition in Semberija.