The long wait for the new horseracing season in the Czech Republic is coming to an end. At 12 o’clock on March 23^rd, entries closed for the first day of the 2017 season, which is Sunday, April 2^nd, at Prague Velká Chuchle racecourse.

The traditional feature race on the opening day is the Gomba Handicap, a Category I race over 1200 metres, for 4-y-os and older. The highest-handicapped entry is 4-y-o Anitchka, which won four races in 2016. As there are only eight entries, the race remains open until the declaration-to-run stage (Tuesday at 10 o’clock). There are six other flat races on the programme. The first race will be at 2 p.m.

Prague Velká Chuchle racecourse is very easily accessible by suburban train from Prague Hlavní nádraží railway station, with trains leaving at 17 minutes and 47 minutes after the hour and arriving at Praha-Velká Chuchle station 13 minutes later. These trains stop at Prague Smichovské nádraží railway station at 25 minutes and 55 minutes after the hour. It is two minutes on foot from Praha-Velká Chuchle railway station to the main entrance to the racecourse.

Prague Hlavní nádraží railway station is on the red metro line, and Prague Smichovské nádraží railway station is on the yellow line. The suburban trains to the racecourse are included in the Prague integrated transport system, so your Prague ticket will get you right to the racecourse. Note, however, that tickets cannot be purchased at Praha-Velká Chuchle railway station. So, if you need a ticket for your return journey, buy it before your outward journey.