A premiere with resonance: the documentary “Romanian Jockey Club. The Tradition Continues” debuted at the “Carol I” Central University Library, in a visionary event co‑created by the Jockey Club with the exceptional involvement of Chainsaw Productions — a moment that undoubtedly deserves a large‑scale national tour.

In front of 240 guests, in the splendid hall of BCU, on April 7, the premiere celebrated a film marking 150 years of Romanian history, tradition, and identity. It was an exceptional event, articulated in three elements that not only captivated the audience but managed to resonate deeply in the hearts of those present and in the very heart of the city.

The organizers — the Romanian Jockey Club and Chainsaw Film Productions — created a remarkable visual and emotional impact by bringing together powerful elements: the presence of mounted gendarmes welcoming guests in ceremonial uniforms inspired by the era of King Carol I; the premiere of the documentary “Romanian Jockey Club. The Tradition Continues”, the core of the evening; and the architectural setting of the “Carol I” hall, a true work of art.

The event was honored by an impressive number of high‑ranking officials, political leaders, and prominent figures from the diplomatic, cultural, academic, and artistic spheres: President Emil Constantinescu, Diana Buzoianu — Minister of Environment, Waters and Forests, Nicolae of Romania and Alina of Romania, astronaut Dumitru Prunariu, Florin Mărgineanu (Rotary Alba‑Iulia), along with representatives of the creative‑artistic community such as Radu Florescu and Margareta Nistor.

The evening included welcome remarks from the Vice Presidents of the Romanian Jockey Club, Răzvan Cernat and Tudor Roșca, as well as from Executive Producer John Florescu, followed by the screening of the documentary, a Q&A session, and a photo session.

The 45‑minute documentary “Romanian Jockey Club. The Tradition Continues” tells the story of one of the world’s earliest Jockey Clubs and of Romania’s thoroughbred racing tradition, illustrating the institution’s 150 years of existence, the spirit and values that have defined its continuity as a landmark in the evolution of modern Romania. Filmed in three countries, the documentary also follows the revival of the Club’s activity in the post‑communist period, alongside the return of gallop racing and the continuation of the English Thoroughbred tradition.

“The establishment of the Romanian Jockey Club on January 8, 1875, was an act of vision — one that placed Romania on the map of Europe’s elite. Over the decades, our Club has been not only a symbol of tradition but also an active witness and participant in the historical, social, and cultural transformations of the country,” said Răsvan Cernat, Vice President of the Club.

Executive Producer John Florescu spoke about the challenges behind the film: The production was hindered by the absence of the Club’s archives, confiscated by the communist regime. Even so, the documentary brings to light rare images of Queen Marie, King Carol I, and King Michael, as well as of communist leader Gheorghiu‑Dej in the official tribune of the Băneasa Hippodrome. The film even captures the Balkan cross‑country championships held on the gallop track, with Casa Scânteii in the background, one year before the complete demolition of the Hippodrome in 1961.

“We aim to reaffirm the role of the Romanian Jockey Club both nationally and internationally. We are proud to represent Romania within European and international bodies in the field and to promote the standards of excellence that have defined us for a century and a half,” emphasized Tudor Roșca, Vice President of the Romanian Jockey Club.

The event was elegantly moderated by Anca Ghinea, Creative Director:

“I believe this event, through its prestige, stands as a benchmark and a motivation to bring back history, the passion for horses, and the culture of preserving values to the level of a national attitude. The documentary is produced at an international performance standard and captivates its audience.”

Associate Producer Dan Drăghicescu added:

“I am glad that, together with John Florescu, we took the initiative to produce this film, especially since the founding of the Club coincides with the birth of Queen Marie of Romania, the first woman owner and lover of English Thoroughbreds eligible for gallop races. The Queen participated in her first race in 1910, in Brăila, in a competition reserved for men, which she won wearing her favorite colors — orange and violet.”

The documentary was produced over the course of a year under the coordination of Executive Producer John Florescu, together with the Chainsaw Films editorial team: Trevor Poots (director and screenwriter), Viorel Chesaru (senior producer), Dan Drăghicescu (associate producer), Mircea Lăcătuș (editor), Laura Beldiman (archival research), Alexandru Dobre (director of photography), and Hassan Nasser (composer). The narrator’s voice belongs to journalist Ruxandra Săraru.

From the Romanian Jockey Club, special involvement in the event’s architecture and member mobilization came from Alina Predescu and Nicoleta Popescu.

The Cavalry Detachment of the Romanian Gendarmerie completed the atmosphere: horses and riders in ceremonial uniforms specific to 1874, worn by corporals — the same attire found in the Royal Escort Regiment established in 1908. The organizers extend their gratitude to the Detachment for their exceptional collaboration.

About the documentary: “Jockey Club — 150 Years” is likely the first documentary film about English Thoroughbreds registered in the Stud Book by the Bucharest Jockey Club since its founding in 1875. The Romanian Jockey Club is the third Jockey Club in the world, after those in London and Paris. The idea of establishing one in Bucharest belonged to Baron Vivian Crespigny, the British consul in Romania, who promoted the English model. King Carol I, the first monarch of modern Romania and the Club’s first president, signed the royal decree granting the institution legal status. Later, four European monarchs served as honorary presidents. Today, there are over 80 Jockey Clubs worldwide.

Historians Adrian Cioroianu and Georgeta Filitti highlight in the film the Club’s influence on Romanian society, evoking the atmosphere of past social and intellectual life — from bridge games and social gatherings to intense political debates and even duels.

The production team visited Knowsley Hall, the residence of the Derby family, where the “Sport of Kings” flourished as early as the 18th century. The family gave its name to the famous Kentucky Derby as well as to the Derby of Ploiești. The Countess of Derby emphasizes in the film the importance of clear race regulations, jockey colors, and the prize system.

The documentary promises to transform the past into a living experience, to restore the dignity of an institution that has survived historical regimes, and to bring back into public attention a world that has disappeared — but has not been forgotten. A century and a half of existence means more than history. It means people. Destinies. Visions that have crossed time.

The tradition continues.