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In memory of Krystyna Karaszewska (1948-2022)

People & Horses

In memory of Krystyna Karaszewska (1948-2022)

Krystyna Karaszewska awarding the first WAHO Trophy in Poland in 2005, for the mare Etruria, by Katarzyna Dolińska
Krystyna Karaszewska awarding the first WAHO Trophy in Poland in 2005, for the mare Etruria, by Katarzyna Dolińska

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On September 28th, 2022, Mrs. Krystyna Karaszewska, a long-time registrar of the Polish Arabian Stud Book and Polish Stud Book (for Thoroughbreds), passed away.

Krystyna Karaszewska spent her entire professional life at the Racing Track at Służewiec. She started working at the races in 1968, and from 1970 she became the Stud Book Registrar taking over from Krystyna Molenda. Thanks to her many years of hard work, in 1996 the Polish Stud Book for Thoroughbreds (PSB) was recognized by the International Stud Book Committee (ISBC).

For at least two generations of Arabian horse breeders, Krystyna Karaszewska was an integral part of the Polish Arabian Stud Book. Many people knew Krystyna Karaszewska from visits to the office. In recent years, there had been no opportunity for personal contact with Krystyna, for example at the PAHBA (Polish Arabian Horse Breeders Association) meetings in Janów Podlaski or the National Show, where her presence was always an important element of these meetings.

We all knew her professionally, but who knew what she was like privately? It was probably in 2008. The autumn breeding inspections in the studs started that year in Janów Podlaski. Among the few guests there was an exceptional one – Zenon Lipowicz. I had met him a few years earlier during the Scottsdale show, but this fall meeting in Janów was deeply remembered by me. Zenon Lipowicz is an icon of Polish racing, the discoverer of the talent of the famous Sabellina, who gave rise to the famous dynasty of Oaks and Derby winners, as well as the co-author of the successes of Algorab and Sambor in the USA. Even his presence at the autumn stud inspections was something special, and in what company! It was a meeting of friends who knew each other and worked together since the late 1960s, during the “golden era” of Polish breeding in the USA.

Zenon Lipowicz, Izabella Zawadzka and Krystyna Karaszewska met after many years and together they returned to their old memories, and there was no end to the stories. It was then that I met these people from a private side. Amused like teenagers, they happily remembered the times when “Zenek” took care of Algorab and Sambor at Leon Rubin’s Sir William Farm stud, which led to the greatest successes on US tracks. They both won the prestigious Oklahoma City Derby and won the Racing Horse of the Year titles in the USA. At that time, Izabella Zawadzka was in the USA and she and Zenon had a lot to tell about the Polish horses that went to famous American breeders. Zenon Lipowicz had shared memories with Krystyna Karaszewska from his work on the track at Służewiec, of which he was deputy director during 1972-1973. How many wonderfully colorful stories about people and horses had been told. How much joy from the meeting was in their relationship. It was the first time that I saw Krystyna Karaszewska as a free, sociable, warm person. A woman full of humor and a brilliant knowledge of Arabian horses that I did not expect. This memory allows me to remember Krystyna Karaszewska as a person for over 50 years associated with breeding and racing, which she knew like no other in our country. With her departure, the whole era slowly closes, which we connect with her and her friends Zenon Lipowicz and Izabella Zawadzka.

Although she is mainly associated with the stud book, it should be mentioned that Krystyna Karaszewska was also the head of the Selection, Breeding and Racing Organization department, advisor to the President of the Polish Jockey Club, a member of the Stewards Committee and a highly valued racing commentator.

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