From Track to Future: A World First from the Turkish Jockey Club – The KUPA Project!
Turkish horse racing is no longer setting an example only on the track, but now also in the field of sustainability. The KUPA Project, implemented by the Turkish Jockey Club, stands out as one of the most striking examples of environmentally driven transformation in the racing industry.
A New Era Begins in Horse Racing
This initiative introduced by the Turkish Jockey Club is not merely a recycling effort; it represents a paradigm shift within the industry. The system, built on reclaiming sand that has lost its function over time on race tracks, promises a major transformation both environmentally and economically.
Launched approximately three years ago at the Elazığ Hippodrome, the project now enables the recovery of 35 tons of sand per hour. This figure clearly demonstrates that the initiative is not just theoretical, but a robust and effective solution in real-world application.
A First of Its Kind in the World
What makes the KUPA Project truly unique is its status as a global first. In traditional systems, sand used on racetracks is completely replaced after a certain period. With this project, however, the material is reprocessed and reintegrated into the economy.
In this respect, the project:
- Reduces the consumption of natural resources
- Significantly decreases waste volume
- Provides substantial energy savings
- Redefines the sustainability model within the horse racing industry
Through this initiative, the Turkish Jockey Club positions itself not only as a national leader but also as a pioneer on the international stage.
Economic and Environmental Added Value
The impact of the KUPA Project extends far beyond hippodromes. Recycled sand becomes a versatile resource that can be utilized in:
- Equestrian facilities
- Construction and manufacturing sectors
- Landscaping applications
- Potential future use in sports fields and industrial facilities
With a target of reducing the annual demand for new sand by approximately 100,000 tons, the project highlights its strong economic dimension. It is also expected to deliver up to a 80% reduction in sand-related costs for the Turkish Jockey Club.
Scientific and Institutional Support for Sustainability
The project is supported by a solid institutional and scientific framework, including:
- The Zero Waste Certificate from the Provincial Directorate of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change
- Academic collaborations with Fırat University
- Technical contributions from the General Directorate of Highways
Furthermore, its alignment with the European Green Deal and Türkiye’s 2053 net-zero emission targets significantly enhances its strategic importance.
A Proud Milestone for Turkish Horse Racing
The KUPA Project stands out as a visionary initiative that not only addresses today’s challenges but also builds for the future.
We extend our congratulations to Mehmet Demirçelik, Director of Elazığ Hippodrome, who played a key role in bringing this project to life; to Tuncel Aydın, who provided strong support from the very beginning; and to the President and Board of Directors of the Turkish Jockey Club for backing this visionary step.
With this initiative, Turkish horse racing is not only winning races—it is winning the future.
