(interview and photo by Petr Guth, editor of Dostihovy svět. This interview first appeared on our Czech language pages)

The long-awaited return of the Irish to the challenges of Pardubice racecourse took place on September 2^nd. However, anyone who thought that Jet Fighter and Alpha Male would take a good-quality Czech field apart got things wrong. On the contrary, Peter Maher’s horses both finished the Právo Newspaper Stakes twelve lengths behind the rest of the field. However, the trainer was far from dissatisfied after the race, and confirmed that the original plan for the two horses  to remain in the Czech Republic and be prepared for the Velka Pardubicka will go ahead, as he confirmed in our conversation.

-        Your horses have had their first run at Pardubice. What are your impressions?

First of all, the jockeys did a good job. They gave both horses a good workout, and I must thank both of them a lot for getting them round. I’d like to say that I have a lot of respect for Marek Stromský. I thought he’d be the right jockey for the older horse, and that’s how it turned out. Petr Tůma, too dealt very well with the younger horse, Jet Fighter.

-        Did this first race to some extent meet your expectations?  Did it surprise you in any way?

We wanted the horses to have a race, and it turned out well successfully. They got all the way round, and it was a very good experience for both of them. I knew very well that the obstacles would be different from what we are used to, but I admit that I did not expect them to be quite so different. I’m very glad that our horses and jockeys managed so well.

-        So their placings at the rear of the field are not a disappointment?

Not at all. Have in mind that jumps horses in Ireland take a break in the summer, and we didn’t start working with them until less than a month ago. Our horses will improve in the weeks to come, and they’ll soon be in better condition!

-        So nothing is going to change in the plan  for them to stay here in the weeks to come and be prepared for the Velka Pardubicka meeting?

There’s no change. No need for a change, and no reason. I think they’ll improve, and in a month’s time they’ll be in different form.  After this race, it’s a matter of getting them into good shape and getting them used to the conditions. In collaboration with Greg Wroblewský, I think we can do it.

-        How will you be dividing the roles in preparing the horses with Greg?

We’ll be in frequent contact, of course, and about ten days before the race I’ll come back and I’ll spend the last few days with the horses here in the Czech Republic.“

-       In the light of today’s result, do you still expect to run both horses in the Velka?

I think we’ll go with Jet Fighter. For Alpha Male, we may consider running him in a smaller race. Alpha Male is already a veteran, and we can’t expect him to improve in the future. I think Jet Fighter can run in the Velka this year, get some valuable experience, and perhaps come back next year with a better chance.

-        So you think there will be one Irish horse in the Velka?

Maybe not. Trainer R.P. O’Keefe is preparing to come to Pardubice with Vital Island, which runs in the big crosscountry race at  Craon on September 3^rd.  They want to get to Pardubice shortly before the race.  Vital Island has won a race this year at Punchestown, but I don’t think it is a good idea to arrive without being able to get used to the environment.  That’s why we’ve already brought our horses over!

-        Are  you reckoning with Czech jockeys for the next race, or will you bring a jockey from Ireland?

The local jockeys did excellent work, and they have the advantage of knowing the racecourse. It’s a clear choice for me.

-        How did the idea of bringing the horses to Pardubice come about?

I woke up one morning and I said to myself – let’s go to the Czech Republic. Seriously though, my first visit to Pardubice was about twenty years ago. Then I visited Pardubice again in 2017,  and  then I got the idea of bringing over some horses. I walked the course. I worked on having a runner, but our horse broke down in training. And this year the time was right – and here we are!