This racetrack, which was established over a hundred years ago, became the first in Central Asia. Since then, only archival photographs and the memories of local historians remind us of its significant history. Nevertheless, this place once played a key role in the sports and cultural life of the city.
A correspondent from Turmush uncovered some details about the Karakol racetrack.
According to information from the Karakol city administration, the construction of the racetrack is associated with the name of Staff Captain Viktor Pyanovsky, who became a pioneer of professional horse breeding in Issyk-Kul and the founder of the first horse breeding farm in the region.
In the early 20th century, when Karakol (then Przhevalsk) was actively developing as a cultural and administrative center of Semirechye, the formation of professional horse breeding began here, which made a significant contribution to the agricultural and economic development of the region.
Staff Captain Viktor Adamovich Pyanovsky (1872–1922) became one of the key figures in this process. In 1907, he founded the Issyk-Kul Horse Breeding Farm in Przhevalsk, which became the first such institution in Central Asia.
The farm specialized in breeding thoroughbred English horses, known for their endurance and beauty. At that time, such initiatives were innovative for the region. Despite the lack of government support, Pyanovsky invested his own funds into the project, demonstrating his understanding of the importance of horse breeding for the future of the area.
One of his significant achievements was the creation of the first racetrack in Central Asia in Przhevalsk. It was not only a place for horse racing but also a center for breeding work, horse training, and an important social and cultural space. The racetrack became a symbol of progress in animal husbandry and influenced the entire Semirechye region.
In 1910, a state breeding farm was opened to further develop agriculture, which had branches in various villages of the Issyk-Kul region. This contributed to systematic work on improving the breeds of not only horses but also cattle and sheep, laying the foundation for the formation of the agro-industrial sector.
Viktor Pyanovsky passed away in 1922, and recognizing the importance of the racetrack, he bequeathed to be buried on its grounds. His wish was fulfilled, and he was buried directly at the racetrack, which became a reflection of his life achievements.
In the early 2000s, his remains were reburied according to Orthodox rites as a tribute to a man who left a significant mark in the history of Kyrgyzstan. This event also reminded us of the lost but unforgettable pages of the history of the Issyk-Kul region.
The buildings on the racetrack's territory were erected in 1958.
A year ago, the management of the racetrack was handed back to the city. Currently, there are about 15 horses kept here, and eight people are employed.
According to veterinarian Kuatbek Eshmukambetov, among the horses, there are those preparing for races. "Throughout the year, we have offered tourists horseback rides. Children with cerebral palsy come to us for therapeutic riding, for which we do not charge a fee to assist them in rehabilitation. The training horses participate in competitions, currently only at the local level, but we regularly take part," he noted.
In the Issyk-Kul Regional Archive Service, there is a folder with interesting facts and photographs of Viktor Pyanovsky, the founder of the first horse breeding farm in the region. The historical photographs are provided by the archive.
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