Latest information is that neither of the two Irish-trained entries for the Velka Pardubicka will run in the race. The Cub, trained by Tommy O'Neill, suffered a setback on his last run and will have to take some time off, and the owners of Current Exchange have decided against coming to the Czech Republic.
Two French-trained horses have been added to the list of entries for the125th running of the Velka Pardubicka on Sunday, October 11th.
On yet another terrible weekend for odds-on favourites, Czech and Slovak Derby winner Touch of Genius failed to win the Czech St Leger at Prague Velká Chuchle on August 30th. The race was won by Sanok, which led all the way round, from Czech Oaks winner Amga River, with Touch of Genius in 3rd place.
There are two attractive race meetings in the Czech Republic this weekend. At Most racecourse on Saturday at, there are two competitive Category I races, over 1400 metres and 1800 metres. The first race is at 1.30 p.m., and there are 7 races on the card.
Prague Velká Chuchle racecourse is putting on eight days of racing in its autumn season, which begins with Czech St Leger day – Sunday, August 30th, first race at 2 p.m.
After winning a race at Pardubice on Saturday on Avec Charme, and then winning the main steeplechase at Netolice on Step Dancer on Sunday, Jan Kratochvíl took a bad fall, broke a thigh and was transported to hospital by helicopter.
For the eighth successive year, the Central European Thoroughbred Sale will be held at Pardubice racecourse two days before the Velka Pardubicka.
The sudden death was announced on August 7th of Luděk Mikulecký, owner of the BORS Břeclav stable. Since 2005, the stable has won 74 races, including the Slovak derby, with Rocky of Gracie. The stable’s Universe of Gracie won the May qualification race for this year’s Velká Pardubická. Luděk Mikulecký was a former member of the Council of the Jockey Club of the Czech Republic.
