From the organisers:

Just imagine. Heroes’ Square, transformed into a racetrack with 6,200 square meters’ worth of special equine-friendly sand. Grandstands in front of the two museums that flank the square, the biggest screens you’ve ever seen broadcast- ing the action, flags flying – the excitement will be palpable...

And they’re off! Young jockeys, modern-day hussars on horseback, tear around the track. Hooves are pounding, dirt is flying, the crowd is cheering. Again and again, since as many as 250 horses and riders will compete for the 21.5 million forint cash prize, a glittering sword, and national glory. There will also be mock horse- back battles, amazing archers shooting arrows on galloping horses...

A particularly exciting event this year

Race Carriage-driving! The carriages that’ll be competing have been created specially for this racetrack. They may have a vintage look but they feature the latest technology inside, so prepare for a rough ride! Imagine Ben Hur in Formula One.

And that’s not all! Andrássy Avenue, the city’s grandest boulevard, will become the Gallop Promenade, presenting over 1,000 years of Hungarian history. Tents representing towns and cities across the nation will show off local traditions – imagine blacksmiths pounding horseshoes, costumed women embroidering centuries-old flower motifs, weavers crafting baskets of straw or rugs of wool.

During this three-day introduction to Hungarian horse tradition, you’ll also get to taste the delights of the Országkonyha (Kitchen of Hungary), where the main theme this year is meat, meat, meat!

Wash down Hungarian dishes, prepared with six types of traditionally seasoned meat, with the very best of our wine and palinka selection!

This is an event you don’t want to miss. Three days of horseback action, fantastic food and drinks, a cavalcade of crafts and culture, bringing Hungary’s vibrant history to life before your very eyes...

Program:

On September 16., the National Gallop opens the gate of the Nation's Kitchen, where gastronomy enthusiasts are offered traditional food as well as Hungarian liquor and wine specialities.

Saturday, September 17.

8:00-11:35 Heroes’ Square – rehearsals on the track
11:45-12:00 Wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph of Hungarian Heroes
12:00-12:25 National Gallop opening ceremony
12:30-13:00 Historical equestrian gala
13:15-13:45 Little Hussar Gallop – qualifying rounds: 1., 2., 3.
14:00-14:45 National Gallop - Qualifying rounds: 1., 2., 3.
15:00-15:45 National Gallop - Qualifying rounds: 4., 5., 6.
16:00-16:15 Hussar Trial – a fun skill game for grown ups
16:15-16:25 Kincsem+ Chariot Race – First qualifying round
16:35-17:20 National Gallop - Qualifying rounds: 7., 8., 9.
17:30-18:15 National Gallop - Qualifying rounds: 10., 11., 12.
18:25-18:50 Free dressage, carousel, horse show
18:50-19:00 Kincsem+ Chariot Race – Second qualifying round
19:15-19:30 Stud running - rehearsal
19:30-20:00 Public meeting with Lajos Kassai on the Gallop Hill
20:00- "A Lovasíjász" - film screening at the Heroes' Square

Gates are open at: • 11:30-11:45 •13:00-13:15 • 13:45-14:00 • 14:45-15:00 • 15:45-16:00 • 16:25-16:35 • 17:20-17:30 • 18:15-18:25 • 19:00-19:30 •
These are the periods when visitors are allowed access to the spectator area in the middle of the square.

Sunday, September 18.
08:00-09:30 Heroes’ Square – rehearsals on the track
09:45-09:55 Horse parasport demonstration
10:05-10:30 Foal Championate
10:45-11:15 National Gallop - 2nd Round of qualifying heats: 1., 2.
11:25-12:10 National Gallop - 2nd Round of qualifying heats: 3., 4., 5.
12:20-12:35 International Gallop – First semifinal
12:35-12:50 International Gallop – Second semifinal
12:50-13:00 Adrenalin Cart pushing competition
13:15-14:00 Show jumping and high jumping competition
14:15-14:35 Free dressage, carousel, horse show
14:50-15:00 Csikós (wrangler) and Puszta-Five presentation
15:00-15:20 Hungarian Revolution of 1848 – tableau vivant
15:30-15:45 Horse archers of Lajos Kassai
15:45-15:55 Trick riding
16:05-16:15 OTP Bank Celebrity Charity Race
16:15-16:30 Little Hussar Gallop – final, awards ceremony
16:30-16:45 Kincsem+ Chariot race – final, awards ceremony
16:55-17:10 Procession of the Hungarian Equestrian Ceremonial Unit
17:25-17:45 International Gallop – final, awards ceremony
17:55-18:15 National Gallop final, award ceremony
18:25-18:35 Stud running

Gates are open at: • 09:30-09:45 • 09:55-10:05 • 10:30-10:45 • 11:15-11:25 • 12:10-12:20 • 13:00-13:15 • 14:00-14:15 • 14:35-14:50 • 15:20-15:30 • 15:55-16:05 • 16:45-16:55 • 17:10-17:25 • 17:45-17:55 • 18:15-18:25 •
These are the periods when visitors are allowed access to the spectator area in the middle of the square.

The organizers reserve their right to modify the programme.

More: http://vagta.hu/