Dear breeders, exhibitors, distinguished guests, and dear friends of the Borzoi,

our historically first club show, the VIGLAS ROYAL BORZOI CLUB SHOW (May 30, 2026), has been successfully concluded. The event was solemnly opened with speeches by Baron Daniel von Rechitar and Minister Rudolf Huliak. Although my prepared opening address was omitted directly on-site due to time constraints, I consider it immensely important to share its thoughts with all of you right now. These are words of gratitude, truth, and pride in what we have accomplished together.

            When I looked around last Saturday at those magnificent, aristocratic dogs against the backdrop of the grand Grand Vígľaš Castle, I saw more than just a show. I saw a dream come true. However, the path to this day was not easy. It was a story of courage, determination, and a fight for the truth, which began with the desire to become independent and to give Borzois in Slovakia the home they truly deserve.

            On this journey, we had to overcome difficult obstacles and face injustice. Therefore, I want to express my immense, heartfelt gratitude to the people without whom we would never have stood in that castle courtyard.

            My first great thanks go to Mr. Šipkovský. In times when we faced a falsified referendum, he did not falter. He participated in it as a witness and was our strongest pillar of support when appealing against this injustice. Mr. Šipkovský, thank you for your integrity and for standing by us when we needed it most.

            An irreplaceable and extraordinary thank you goes to Mr. Šuster. It was he who extended a helping hand during the difficult separation of the Borzoi breed from the former club. Mr. Šuster, your invaluable advice on how to lead a club correctly and honestly, and your continuous support, are the foundation of our success. Thanks to you, we can live our great cynological dream today.

            It was an immense honor for us that our first show was held under the auspices and patronage of Minister Huliak. Dear Minister, thank you for your trust and for coming to open this historic event in person. Your support for Slovak cynology is extremely important to us.

            When we approached the current owners of this castle some time ago, Baron Daniel and Baroness Regina von Rechitar, we were merely looking for a venue for our show. We had no idea, however, that fate would lead us to a story that would take our breath away. We are endlessly grateful that our paths crossed. What we learned from the mouth of the Baron fills us with immense pride and deep humility. To discover that right here, in Vígľaš, ancestors of the Trivulzio-Galli family bred Borzois as a precious gift from the Russian Imperial Family as early as 1898 is truly magical. History has come full circle, right back to where it belongs.

            Vígľaš Castle did not just provide us with a refuge. It became our true home port—a place where a glorious past met our shared future. With profound emotion and gratitude, we therefore accept the message from the Baron’s cousin, His Serene Highness Prince Don Andrea III Gian Giacomo Gonzaga Trivulzio-Galli, who has granted our club the title of „Princely“ as a token of recognition. We promise to bear this significant patronage and title with the highest honor, and to continue our activities in a manner that perfectly corresponds to the noble character of this exceptional breed.

            Just as Vígľaš transformed from a damaged ruin after World War II into the jewel of Central Slovakia, we too—from now on as the Princely Club—are writing exactly such a powerful story of flourishing within our independent Borzoi Club of Slovakia.

            Although the show brought concrete titles and trophies, I want to emphasize one thing: All of us who stood there together—led by our Borzois—have won. Truth won, love for this exceptional breed won, and above all, our unity won.

            I thank everyone who stood at the birth of this club, and all the sponsors who generously supported us. My immense thanks go to you, the exhibitors, for your participation and for filling the ring with such a wonderful atmosphere. I would also like to thank our esteemed judge, Lize Edland, for her professional, patient, and highly expert judging.

            However, organizing an event at this level would not be possible without the dedicated help of a wonderful team of people. My sincere thanks for their immense help with the entire organization of the show go to Zdenka and Radovan Bočák, Valéria and Peter Černák, Martin Dojčan, Janetta Dojčan-Molitorová, Eliška Gocká, and Vladimír Halás. Thanks also go to the entire club committee for their support and help with the final work on the grounds. For the seamless and professional veterinary control at the entrance to the venue, I thank the veterinarian, Gabriela Marušková. For the great work directly in the ring and precise recording of the results, I thank Ingrid Tomová. Many thanks go to the ring steward, Angelique Bobríková, for the perfectly smooth running of the entire evaluation and, at the same time, for her extraordinary and professional care of our precious judge, Lize Edland, during her entire stay in Slovakia. Dominika Hradská and Majo Hradský ensured that the show had a truly royal character. I thank Dominika for her professional moderating and Majo for his great work as a sound engineer and technical support for the sound—without them, the atmosphere would certainly not have been so noble. Last but not least, thanks go to my son, Alexander Imrich Daško, for the flawless technical setup of the live broadcast, thanks to which viewers all over the world could experience this great day with us.

            Our shared story, enriched by the princely patronage, has just begun. Thank you for being a part of it, and I look forward to our next steps together.

With respect and gratitude,
Oľga Dašková
President of the Borzoi Club of Slovakia