The traditional International Gallop Horse Races were held at the “Obrijež” racetrack in Bijeljina, organized by the Equestrian Club “Vranac” and under the sponsorship of the City Administration of Bijeljina.
A total of thirty-five horses participated in seven races, with entries from Rogatica, Bijeljina, Brčko, Prnjavor, Tuzla, and Gradačac. From Semberija, horses came from Dvorovi, Dazdarevo, Međaši, Batković, Trnjaci, Velika Obarska, and other villages.
The prize fund was highly motivating for participants; however, attendance was low, given that today was declared a Day of Mourning in Republika Srpska due to the tragic events in Novi Sad.
In the first gallop race, “Semberski Ratar,” at 400 meters with a prize fund of 1,000 KM, the winning horse was “Maja 01” ridden by Milica Simić from Equestrian Club “Vranac” in Velika Obarska. Second place went to “Lasta,” owned by Dejan Petrović from Trnjaci, and third place was taken by “Cvjetka,” ridden by Momir Lazarević, owned by Rade Lazarević from Batković.
Fearless Milica Simić
In the second gallop race, “Rambo,” also at 400 meters, the first place went to “Jagoda,” owned by Mladen Miljanović from Dazdarevo. “Grande,” owned by Predrag Gojković from Dvorovi, came in second, while third place went to “Pikolo,” ridden by Milica Simić from Equestrian Club “Vranac” in Velika Obarska.
Milica Simić shared that she has won about fifteen trophies in horse races so far.
Her brother, Borko Simić, the founder and owner of Equestrian Club “Vranac,” noted that out of the 35 participating horses, there were six thoroughbred English racehorses and three Arabian horses.
“I would like to thank all participants of this event who came to support us. In addition to participants, we also had guests from Sarajevo, Brčko, and Bogatić. Special thanks go to the City Administration of Bijeljina for their financial support in organizing these horse races,” Borko Simić told us.
Nothing more beautiful than equestrian sports
Željko Despotović from Batković, who has been breeding Lipizzaner horses for over ten years, shared his passion for equestrianism.
“Semberija has been known for horses and horse racing for more than a hundred years. I love riding, and when I’m in the saddle, I feel something special. When you connect with horses, it feels like two souls, one body. Galloping brings an indescribable rush of adrenaline, almost like flying. Riding in a carriage is lovely, but when I’m on a horse, that’s where I truly feel myself. I want to thank the organizers of these horse races. It’s an opportunity for gathering and enjoying a beautiful, sunny day. I have won seven trophies so far, but winning isn’t the main goal; participating is what matters. I’ve been to Brčko, Srbac, and other places with my Lipizzaners,” said Željko Despotović, emphasizing the importance of connecting with others and enjoying life, with equestrian sports being one of the finest ways to do so.
Source: See Srpska
