Ernö Ebeczki Blaskovich (Tápiószentmárton, January 14, 1834 – Budapest, 18 May 1911) was a Hungarian landowner, farmer, athlete, equestrian, horse breeder and founder of the Tápiószentmárton Stud. He was the owner of an unbeatable horse, Kincsem, who won every competition she entered. Ernö was the brother of István Blaskovich, who was Gizella’s father. Her daughter, Katalin Kiss, married nemescsói Béla Török.
Ernö was a scion of the Blaskovich family, a noble and wealthy lineage from Ebeczk. His father, Bertalan Blaskovich de ebeczki (1794–1859), was a court judge and, between 1816 and 1827, a circuit judge of the Kecskemét district. He was also a knight of the Iron Crown. His mother, Erzsébet Almásy of zsadány (1801–1872), belonged to the noble branch of the Almásy family of Zsadány.
Kincsem’s Legacy Ernö purchased a filly named Kincsem (My Treasure), who was trained by an Englishman, Robert Hesp. Kincsem was never beaten in her 54 races across Europe.
She became the toast of five European nations throughout her illustrious racing career. Initially, Kincsem was an unremarkable liver chestnut filly who went unsold, deemed too ordinary-looking. However by the time of her retirement, Kincsem had become a household name across Europe, thanks to her stunning unbeaten record, which to this day, marks her as one of the greatest horses of all time.
Among her many victories, she won: The Hungarian Guineas, Oaks and St Leger and the Austrian Derby and the British 2000 Guineas. Kincsem raced all over Europe including: Germany: Hanover, Hamburg, Berlin, Doberan, Frankfort, and Baden-Baden. Hungary: Sopron and Budapest. Austria: Vienna She also claimed victory in the famous English Goodwood Cup (1878) and the French Grand Prix de Deauville.
Ilona Blaskovich’s Story Ilona Blaskovich, sister of Gizella Blaskovich – Török, remained single due to a broken heart. In the family chapel, she placed all her jewellery on a statue of Mary and lived frugally in her father’s household until his death. Afterwards Ilona moved to the Blaskovich Palace on Reáltanoda Street, Budapest. Her home contained many relics, including a silver statue of “Kincsem”. She preserved her very modest fortune, bequeathing part of it to the church and part to her faithful maid.
( Article ‘Backstage of Racing by Bert Lillye (1970s) can be downloaded below)
