When a British princess came to the Velka Pardubicka not many years ago, those wives and mistresses of the Czech elite who were invited to the Town Stand spent a fortune (or what we little people think of as a fortune) on millinery and on high-heeled shoes. The princess, being a horsewoman, dressed warmly, wore no hat and had sensible shoes on.

What is the moral of this story?

If you are invited to a box in the Town Stand, remember that this is a major Czech social event. A well-tended smart-casual look is recommended, and in some places, for example Dostihovy Klub, it is required. The shabby look is not quite appropriate. Nevertheless, do remember that high heels and cocktail dresses are not really suitable for steeplechasing, and you may not want to suffer too much to be beautiful. Mid-October can be chilly in East Bohemia, and the grandstands face north.

In the other grandstands, it is a good idea to dress warmly, but probably nobody except your spouse will be looking at or commenting on what you are wearing.

If you do not have a grandstand ticket, you will be exposed to the elements, though there is quite a lot of shelter under the Town Stand. The warmth and waterproofness of your attire will be more important than its elegance.

If, in spite of this sound advice, you find that you have turned up unsuitably dressed, make the best of it, and know that the Czechs will shrug their shoulders. Even the foreign princess did not know how to dress properly for the Velka Pardubicka!