Velká pardubická is one of the stiffest and most gruelling steeplechases in the world. It has been held in Pardubice, Czech Republic, since 1874. Nicknames for the race include “The Czech Grand National and The Race of the Brave”. It is 6.9 km (4 miles) long with 31 obstacles. The point-to-point usually takes 9-10 minutes; however, the record time was in 2015 with Ribelino running a 8:56.01.
Velká pardubická: History
Despite first being run in 1874 the Velká pardubická has been modified over the years. The current form of the race has been the same since WW2. Before WW2, the race was less standardised in terms of routes and obstacle design. Also, the race incorporated more of a natural element, with roughly half the race being run across ploughed fields. The race mostly consisted of military or hunting horses that were often Czech or Austro-Hungarian, meaning the race held semi-military prestige.
Since WW2, the Velká pardubická has remained fixed in its general layout and obstacles. The share of ploughed sections was reduced to around a third and is now down to a quarter. Safety standards were also improved. The Velká pardubická is notorious for its tough layout. Since WW2, Taxi Ditch depth was reduced to around 1 meter, as well as water jumps and hedges being reshaped for more predictable landings. Following the close of the war, the Velká pardubická was placed under the Czechoslovak national sporting authorities and became a national event with a fixed race date (the second Sunday in October).
While the history and prestige have always remained at the heart of any changes to the Velká pardubická, the most recent change to the course came in 1998. The final stages of the race were re-oriented to accommodate the modernised grandstand.
The first winner of the race was French horse Fantôme, ridden by British Jockey George Sayers. Up until the start of WW1, British and Austrian jockeys dominated the race, sharing the spoils for 22 of the 39 runnings. The race was revived in 1920 with Czech jockeys getting their chance to win. For the first time in sports history were Czech jockeys and trainers on the top step. It wouldn’t be until 1973 that a British jockey would win, and not since 1912 has an Austrian rider taken the winner’s trophy.
The Velká pardubická has stood the test of time, reflecting Czech history throughout. Winners from Britain, Austria, Germany, all the way to the Soviet Union Hungary and Ireland.
Velká pardubická: Famous Obstacles
Much like at famous UK racecourses, some jumps have famous names; here is no different. The
Popkovická zeď (“Popkovice Wall”) is an early solid bank that tests a horse’s balance and bravery right after the start of the Velká pardubická.
Irská lavice (“Irish Bank”) requires horses to jump up onto a raised bank and then down again, demanding rhythm and precision from both horse and rider.
Hadí příkop (“Snake Ditch”) is a long, narrow trench that twists slightly, catching out tired horses in the middle of the course.
Malý Taxis (“Little Taxis”) is a smaller version of the infamous Taxis Ditch, challenging horses to leap over a hedge with a hidden drop early in the race.
The Taxi Ditch
The most legendary obstacle and feared is known as the Taxisův příkop, Taxi Ditch. Originally 2 meters deep and 5 meters long, it is hidden behind a tall hedge. Its notoriety comes from horses not realising the drop until it is too late. Unfortunately, it has caused many falls and casualties. Today, the Taxi Ditch has been reformed for safety and is about 1 meter deep and 4 meters long. It is still feared today by jockeys who label it the leap of faith.
Famous winners
The Velká pardubická much like the Grand National and Cheltenham Gold Cup can make horses and jockeys into household names. Železník, trained by Josef Váňa, is a legend: he won four times (1987, 1988, 1989, 1991). Josef Váňa, the jockey/trainer, became a Czech folk hero — he won eight times as a jockey, the last at age 58 in 2011. Some horses have never fallen in years of competing, a badge of honour in Pardubice.
What Makes the Race Stand Out
Tradition states that jockeys cross themselves or pat their horses for luck before the flag drops.
Since 1993, the Velká pardubická has once again welcomed international entries (after the Cold War). The most recent winner was one of last year’s Grand National hottest horses, Stumptown. Despite this, victories by Czech-trained horses remain a deep source of national pride.
The race holds so much prestige that it also features on my Czech stamps, as seen by the feature image of this article.
The winner’s trophy often includes a horseshoe from the Taxis fence, symbolising survival as much as winning.
The Velká pardubická is a national ritual and part of the Czech identity. Every October, thousands flock and millions watch on TV for a reason.
About Gallop the Globe
Gallop the Globe is a new series where I will be looking at weird, wonderful and fascinating races across the world. It will be a journey across the world to uncover races which many non natives do not know exist. Next up I will be covering the Palio di Siena in Italy.
Other series like Looking Ahead to the Jump Season can be found HERE.
