With the British jumps season beginning to take stride, all eyes will be transported overseas to Pardubice, Czech Republic to witness the world famous Velká Pardubická feature. Dating back to 1874, the Velká Pardubická takes place annually on the second Sunday in October and is a truly fascinating display. Completed over a distance of 6.9km (4.28 Miles), whereby equine athletes are required to successfully jump over a total of 31 obstacles, it can be compared to The Aintree Grand National; however extremely unique. It is sure to be an experience like no other.
It is a race which has always been dominated by Czech Jockeys and Trainers throughout its place in the racing calendar, with Jan Faltejsek winning the previous 5 of 7 performances. This year will see all British eyes turn to David Pipe’s recruit Rathlin Rose under the ride of James Best, in hope to leave a stamp last made by the British in 1995 whereby former jockey turned trainer Charlie Mann steered ‘It's A Snip’ to a famous victory. The day marks the 129th running of the Velka Pardubicka with a variety of equestrian displays and races throughout the day. At 11:00 the opening ceremony will commence, closely followed by the first race of the day, the Staropramen Brewery Stakes at 11:30. Staropramen Brewery Stakes (11:30) Lata Brandisová Stakes (12:10) At 12:10 the Lata Brandisová Stakes National Listed race for 4-y-o+ mares will take place, with a total purse of €7,000. This race is completed over a distance of 4,200 metres; equivalent to the length of a British 2m 6 furlong competition. Czech Steeplechase Association Stakes (12:50) Similarly to the Lata Brandisová Stakes National Listed race, The Czech Steeplechase Association Stakes is completed over 2m 6 furlongs, however open to the entry of 4-y-o geldings, mares, and stallions. The total prize money for this race equates to €7,000. Paragan s.r.o Stakes (13:10) Vltava Stakes (14:10) This race is a National listed race for horses aged 5 years or older. It is completed over a total distance of 2m 8 furlongs with the total prize money of €15,000. Labe Stakes (14:55) The Labe Stakes is a Listed competition for horses aged 6 years and over. It is completed over a distance of 3m 2 furlongs. The total amount of prize money for this competition equates to €26,000. Profireal Group Popler Memorial (15:40) The Popler Memorial is a National Listed race for horses aged 5 years and over. It is completed over a 2m trip with the total amount of prize money totalling €11,000. 129th running of the Velka Pardubicka (16:40) This year marks the 126th of the Velka Pardubicka listed race for horses of the age of 6 years old. This feature race is traditionally the last race of the day to allow spectators to fully celebrate the champion horse during the winners’ ceremony (17:00). It is a cross country masterclass completed over a distance of 4m 3 furlongs, with all athletes competing for the grand prize of 5 Million CzK (€180,000). Horses competing in this magnificent spectacle will have had to successfully fulfilled the requirements during one of four qualifying races throughout the current season in order to be granted entry. It is a truly prestigious event, packed with exceptional talent. Can David Pipe’s ‘Rathlin Rose’ break the mainland European reign on the trophy and return bragging rights to Britain for the first time in 24 years? Winners’ ceremony (17:00) Take time to admire whichever true racing athlete concurs the 21 horse field and finishes top of the podium, making their mark in the racing history books for years to come.
The Racing Breaks team are welcoming over 50 guests to this years Velká Pardubická feature with a variety of 4* and 5* packages available to suit all budgets. Starting from £329.00 per person for the total experience, it is an event not to be missed.
Packages include;
Return Flights from London Stansted to Prague (alternative departure airports available)
Return transfer from Prague Airport to Hotel
Two nights accommodation at one of our carefully selected hotels (additional nights available)
Breakfast each morning
Return transfer to Pardubice Racecourse
Ticket to the Velká Pardubická
Packages for the Velká Pardubická 2020 will be available shortly and is due to take place on the 11th October 2020. If you are interested in securing a place on an experience of a lifetime, please visit our website by clicking here. Information concerning this years Racing Breaks Itinerary can be found via the Velká Pardubická brochure. Also available by clicking here, or following https://www.racingbreaks.com/events/velka-pardubicka