Veliefendi Race Course, Horse racing venue in Istanbul, Turkey

Veliefendi Race Course is a horse racing venue in the Bakırköy district of Istanbul, Turkey. It has three tracks: a turf oval, a synthetic track, and a sand training track, along with seating for 7,600 spectators and facilities such as a museum and a racehorse hospital.

The race course was built in 1912/13 by German specialists on the initiative of Enver Pasha, on land that was once a farm belonging to an Ottoman religious leader. It is the oldest and largest race course in Turkey and has hosted major races since the early 20th century.

The venue is a social hub where locals gather to watch races and enjoy the picnic area. The name comes from Şeyhülislam Veliyyüddin Efendi, who once owned the land, and the place still carries that connection.

The race course is in the Bakırköy area, easily reached by public transport, and the main entrance is clear. Visitors can walk around the tracks and use the picnic area, but it is best to check the schedule for race days and other events.

In 1949, angry bettors set fire to the referee tower and bleachers after a disputed race, causing a pause in racing. The venue also held its first farewell ceremony for a racehorse in 2008, honoring a popular mare named Ribella.