The third European Jockeys Cup (EJC) day at Prague Velká Chuchle racecourse will be held on Saturday, September 2^nd. This race day in Prague will attract a number of top international jockeys, as well as almost all of the best Czech-trained horses. Many of us consider that this race day, which is being held for just the third time, has already established itself as the best of the season in the Czech Republic, even better than Czech Derby day. Let us say it quietly, but some of us even think it is a bigger festival than the Velka Pardubicka crosscountry steeplechase, which will be run at Pardubice on Sunday, October 8^th.

Top jockeys are retained by trainers and owners, and the biggest stars cannot be sure that they will be free to ride in Prague until a few days before the race day, when runners and riders are declared in their home countries. However, there is no doubt that top international jockeys now look forward to a visit to Prague, to ride good horses in races with top prize money, by central European standards. They will do their best to be here on September 2nd.

In addition, Czech jockeys are among the best riders not only in the V4 countries (Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic), but also in Germany and Spain. Václav Janácek, multiple champion jockey in the Czech Republic before he moved to Spain, where he has also now won the Spanish jockeys championship multiple times, promotes Czech racing and EJC energetically. He will surely be here on September 2nd, and he will bring at least one top Spanish jockey.

Every week, a number of Czech-trained horses now run in major races abroad, especially in France and Italy. Rapidly increasing numbers of French, Italian and German owners have their horses expertly and inexpensively trained here, and taken to race in the owner’s home county. Top jockeys want to ride these Czech-trained horses, and want to bring their names to the attention of the Czech trainers - for example, by riding here on EJC day.

In any case, a paid trip to Prague is no hardship for anyone. We can be sure that some big-name jockeys will be at Prague Velká Chuchle racecourse on September 2nd. The biggest celebrity jockey on EJC day in 2016 was French-based Gérald Mossé.

The organizers of EJC day have invited top Greek jockey Panagiotis Dimitsanis (picture) to ride in Prague on September 2^nd. Dimitsanis has been the outstanding jockey in Greece for many years, winning all the top races, and winning the jockeys’ championship 16 times. Racing in Greece has suffered greatly in the major economic crisis in recent years, but there are now signs of a revival. The presence of Panagiotis Dimitsanis in Prague on EJC day will be very popular with Czech racing fans, and of course with the Greek community in the Czech Republic.

EJC day races

The idea is that about 12 top international jockeys will participate, and ideally each will get a ride in each of the four main races, and also in most of the five minor races.

Main races:

EJC Million, over 1400 metres, prize money CzK 1 600 000

EJC Middle, over 1800 metres, prize money CzK 550 000

EJC Long, over 2 400 metres, prize money CzK 550 000

EJC Gerscha Memorial, over 1 400 metres, for two-year-old colts and fillies, prize money CzK 550 000

The leading Czech owners make a point of entering their best horses for the EJC races to support the EJC venture.

The main sponsors of the EJC race day are LERAM and Lokotrans.

Admission prices: http://velka-chuchle.cz/admission

How to get to Prague Velká Chuchle racecourse

By public transport

The racecourse is in the southern suburbs of Prague, on the left (west) bank of the Vltava. By far the best way to get to the course is by the S7 suburban train service. Prague - Velká Chuchle railway station is two minutes on foot from the main entrance to the course.

A 32-crown public transport ticket (or any valid Prague public transport pass) will get you to the racecourse by the integrated public transport system from any stop in the capital city area. Make sure that you buy a ticket for the return journey before you set out, because there is no ticket office at Velká Chuchle.

S7 trains to the racecourse leave Prague Hlavní nádraží (main station) at 17 minutes and at 47 minutes after each hour. These trains stop at Smíchovské nádraží (Smíchov station) at 25 minutes and at 55 minutes after each hour, and arrive at Prague Velká Chuchle on the hour and half past the hour.

Bus no. 244, also part of the integrated Prague public transport system, also goes from Smíchovské nádraží to Závodište (racecourse). Bus numbers 241, 318, and 129 go from Smíchovské nádraží to Dostihová, from where it is a 12-minute walk round the course to the main entrance.

Trains back into town leave at 22 minutes and at 52 minutes after the hour. The 244 bus back into town leaves at 18 minutes and at 48 minutes after the hour.

By car

The car park at the racecourse, in Radotinská Street, is likely to fill to capacity on EJC day. The roads around the racecourse are narrow and there will be heavy traffic. Apart from the official car park, there is nowhere within walking distance from the course where you can safely leave your car - it will surely be towed away! If you nevertheless decide to come by car, arrive at least an hour before the first race to avoid delays and problems.

The first race on Saturday, September 2nd is at 2.30 p.m. The 13.47 train from the main station (the 13.55 train from Smíchov station) will get you to the racecourse in good time for the first race.

There are nine races on the card.