The Velka Pardubicka is never short of drama and this year was especially no different. For the first time in its history, the race ended in the most dramatic fashion, and we were there to watch it all unfold!
Every year, thousands of racing enthusiasts descend into Pardubice for one of the most challenging and prestigious races in the world. As part of the international Crystal Cup Series, the Velka Pardubicka attracts Europe’s finest National Hunt horses with a lucrative pot on offer for those successful.
We set off from Heathrow on the short journey to Prague and everybody was in fine spirits, with plenty having an early fancy for the feature event of the weekend! For those that had already visited the beautiful city in the Czech Republic, they knew what they were in for but for those who had not, they were in for a proper treat!
As we disembarked from the airport and travelled to our hotel, we had the chance to explore the city and had a great evening at leisure. Local bars were visited and the local beer tasted along with some rather large ‘baby Guinness’.
The day before race day is always a good time to explore and that is precisely what we all did! Nicknamed as ‘the city of a hundred spires’, Prague is renowned for its beauty and Saturday gave everybody plenty of time to experience what the city had to offer, followed by a magnificent five course banquet in U Pavouka.
Race day. The one we had all been waiting for, the Velka Pardubicka. After a thrilling few days of leisure, we reconvened at breakfast in the hotel before setting off in good time to arrive in Pardubice. We were greeted shortly after arriving by one of the most magnificent parades prior to racing, and that set the tone of how significant this meeting truly is.
Racing began and with ITV Racing presenter, and Venatour Racing Ambassador, Luke Harvey on our trip, we had the luxury of him going through the card with UK jockey James Best. James spoke to us about his rides and in particular, his mount in the big race and it was a great addition to the day!
The runners went to post for the feature and the crowd was in full voice as the starter let them go. The infamous Taxis fence, jumped only once all season, was a sight to behold as the jockeys sent their horses flying over the big ditch! They entered the final straight and Sexy Lord flew to the front, looking well in command. But, with the shadows of the post looming, Godfrey stuck his head down determinedly to force a photo finish which looked impossible two furlongs out!
After an agonisingly long wait, the judge could not split them and for the first time in its history, the race was declared a dead-heat. James Best managed to get round once again in his career, a monumental achievement.
The racing came to an end and brought down the curtain on our magnificent trip to the Czech Republic. The Velka Pardubicka remains one of the most incredible spectacles in the sport of National Hunt racing, a must see for anybody.
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