The culmination of the Fifth World Nomad Games was an exciting horse race

The last day of the Fifth World Nomad Games revived the ancient traditions of the nomads. Horse racing, the central part of the event, on September 13 captivated the audience with its speed, endurance and dexterity. Riders from different countries demonstrated their skills, with Kazakhstan becoming a dominant force in several races.

The competition was held in various categories, including the classic flat run and traditional styles such as Kunan Baige, Alaman Baige, Top Baige and Zhorga Zharys. Each race required not only speed, but also a deep connection between rider and horse, focusing on endurance and specific techniques.

Riders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Russia, Turkey and Uzbekistan participated with more than 100 competing horses. Many of the jockeys were young, some as young as eight, showing great skill despite their age.

The panel of judges included experts from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Hungary and Russia.

Among the most anticipated events was the Alaman Baige, a grueling 25,000m race that had spectators on the edge of their seats. The race saw an exciting finish with the surprise victory of Aikabak, a horse that few liked at first.

Waiting before the race

On the eve of Alaman Beyge, experts and fans bet on the Kazakh horse Zhumirtuyak and the Kyrgyz Kara Kyz, and Aikabak was not initially considered a favorite. However, as the race progressed, Aikabak started slowly but picked up in the final stretch to pass the leaders and take a dramatic victory.

The executive director of the Baige Federation, Altai Bimen, noted that the biggest competition in classic races was Russia, and in the traditional categories, the biggest rival was the Kyrgyz horse Kara Kyz.

"We expect an epic race between the Kazakh Zhumirtuyak and the Kyrgyz Kara Kiz," Baige Federation vice-president Jomart Saibolatov said before the Alaman race. He also explained that preparations for this race began immediately after the announcement of the World Nomad Games.

Race results: Kazakhstan dominates

In the flat race at a distance of 1,600 meters, the first place was won by Chagal, ridden by jockey Ramazan Tabildiev. Arlan with jockey Mirzabek Kappushev took second place, and Struna, ridden by Rasul Alpisbai, finished third. All prize-winners represented the national team of Kazakhstan.

In the 2,400-meter race, Beryl Racer, driven by Aslanbek Baikenov, took first place. Adai, ridden by Mirzabek Kappushev, took second place, and Roseline, driven by Dauren Zhusupov, took third place. All prize-winners played for the national team of Kazakhstan.

In the 3,200-meter race, the Kazakhs once again dominated among seven other riders. Life's A Breeze, ridden by Mirzabek Kappushev, won. West Coast Knight, ridden by Dauren Zhusupov, finished second, while Alaska Tiger, jockeyed by Ramazan Tabildiyev, took third. Horses over the age of four took part in the race.

At the 11-kilometer Kunan Beige race, out of 15 riders, all the prize-winners represented the Kazakhstan national team. Kamyskulak, ridden by Amir Serik, took first place, and Ayshuak, who fought with Ansar Aristanbek, took second place. Baktori, driven by Dilnur Nurmukash, finished third. All prize-winners represented the national team of Kazakhstan.

Out of 19 Top Baige riders, the first place was taken by Holyboy, driven by Serzhan Baktybai. Zimiran with jockey Arnat Murathan was second, and Kemenger, ridden by Zhanbolat Marden, finished third.

"I have been preparing for this race for a long time. I am very happy. In the beginning it was difficult to control the horse. I started racing at the age of 7 and it only lasted a year. Friends of my family came here with me. I haven't talked to my parents yet, but I know that they are already aware," Baktybai said.

"The horse came from Russia and previously participated in horse races in Germany and Russia. The original name given abroad is Holyboy. We only recently bought a horse, and this is the first race in which we participate in the country," said Baktibai's trainer Medet Yeralim.

In the Zhorga Race, the first place was taken by Chikson Lock, driven by Zhailoobek Uulu Chuban. Ak-zhauyn, ridden by Erbulan Tleugaliuli, finished second, and Empress with jockey Nurel Iranov finished third.

The Alaman Badge, an endurance test over 25,000 meters, saw Aikabak, ridden by Ansar Aristanbek, take a surprise victory. Zhumirtuyak, ridden by Hamza Amankeldy, took second place, while Kara Keys, driven by Elesov Nurel, finished third.

After the race, Arystanbek's coach Zhambyl Bobekbai expressed satisfaction with the strategy, noting that they had been preparing since winter.

“We planned to stay low for most of the race and then push hard on the last lap. We planned to get into the top three," said Bobekbai.

Their preparations now shift to the finals of the Kazakhstan Championship on October 5, where they hope to continue their success.