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National Gallop
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When:
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May - Jun 2009 (annual)
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Where:
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Heroes' Square
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| Costs: |
Free to watch
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One hundred horses and riders compete for €200,000 in prize money at Vagta, the National Gallop in Budapest's Heroes' Square. More than 300,000 spectators enjoy the races, a fair, war games and parades.
Spectators watch the races from grandstands placed around the "Gallop Arena", with six horses racing at any one time. The National Gallop track is approximately six furlongs long and specially designed to fit around Budapest's main historical square, while Andrássy Street, known as the "Gallop Promenade", is where horse riding processions, exhibitions and Hungarian cultural displays take place.
Hungary's equine tradition goes back to when the seven Magyar tribes settled themselves in the Carpathian basin and soon established themselves as horsemen. Bareback horse shows, riding schools and the National Gallop allow this tradition and heritage to live on.
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