“We try to have a good relationship with the  Jockey Club”

Michael Skalický has set out on his second year as manager of Dostihový Spolek, organiser of events at Pardubice racecourse, amid the uncertainties over how this horseracing season is going to develop. Before the beginning of the 2014 season, he answered some questions from Dostihový svět about cooperating with the horsracing authorities, and also about the future of the international Crystal Cup. The answers have not been edited or abbreviated in any way.

How do you see the changes in the leadership of the Jockey Club? Do they pose any problems for you as organisers? Do you feel that there is interest in your work on the part of the Jockey Club? And are you interested in the activities of the Jockey Club?
The Jockey Club is our partner, and we depend on having good relations with them. We have therefore tried to deal correctly and objectively with the former leadership and also with the present leadership about matters that affect both parties. I can’t say that the changes in the leadership of the Jockey Club have been a problem for us. However, there are a number of new things that we have to communicate about.

The Czech Steeplechase Association is the closest official partner for organisers of races over fences. There too there was an earthquake as far as personalities are concerned during the winter. How do you get on with the new leadership?

The situation is similar to the situation at the Jockey Club. We try to have a good relationship with them.

To what extent have you been able to make your way in the world of horseracing after one year in your position? How many races have you yourself seen? Are you satisfied from this point of view, or do you feel that there are some problems?

It’s true that I came to the job as manager of Dostihový Spolek not as a horseracing man but as a crisis manager. I am gradually feeling my way into the world of horseracing. I try to watch all the races at our course in Pardubice, and I sometimes head off to other courses, including some racecourses abroad. When I’m there, I enjoy the races much more. On racing days here in Pardubice you have to deal with all kinds of things that are going on. In the course of this year I think I’ve picked up quite a lot, but I’m certainly not going to claim to be a horseracing expert. I have a team of people round me who know what to do. The main thing for me is to make sure that Dostihový Spolek is on a sound basis, is in black figures, and is able to organise races that spectators will want to go to.

The Velka Pardubicka is of course the showcase for Czech racing as a whole. Is it the biggest event of the year for the director of the organising association?

The Velka Pardubicka with Česká pojišťovna is the biggest event of the year for all lovers of Czech horseracing. From the organisation point of view, it is of course the most demanding thing. The preparations are long drawn out and, as a matter of fact, last the whole year. However, the atmosphere of the Velka Pardubicka with Česká pojišťovna makes it all very worthwhile. Last year I stood at the Taxis, and it was a lifetime experience.

The leadership at Pardubice racecourse has several times made statements about the unclear future of the Crystal Cup as your leading international project. What is the current situation – is Pardubice going to participate again this year?

Pardubice continues to be a participant in the Crystal Cup. It is a prestigious series of races, and it would be a great pity if the Velka Pardubicka were to drop out. I would personally be happy if the Crystal Cup series could be strengthened by the participation of Czech-owned horses, and of course I’d like to see some Czech participants competing successfully. 

What stage has been reached in the negotiations with the French betting office [PMU], which faded out last year? And are there maybe some other betting options for Pardubice racecourse that are in play?

I’ve been answering this question a lot recently. We received a proposal for an agreement from the French side. Our legal adviser is now making an investigation from the point of view of our Czech legislation, and above all the Law on Lotteries. The aim is for the 124th running of the Velka Pardubicka with Česká pojišťovna to be transmitted in France. Here I should comment on the view that I have often heard expressed, that millions will be gained in profits from this agreement. After negotiating with the French side, we have calculated that there will be no such staggering amount. Everywhere in Europe the coin has two sides. Nevertheless, we are pleased about the interest from abroad in races organised in the Czech Republic. We think that the broadcast will provide publicity abroad for Czech racing. The only thing that disappoints us is that there is no interest in any of the other races organised in the Czech Republic, only in the Velka Pardubicka. 

What do you wish for Czech horseracing at the threshold of the 2014 season?
I want things to go well. I’d like racing at all courses to run smoothly, without difficulties, without injuries, to have more and more spectators at the races, and to have favourable weather. For the organisers, and for ourselves too, I hope racing can be financially secured, and that not only the organisers but also the owners, trainers and riders will also be satisfied.

This interview, conducted by Petr Guth, the editor of our web pages, first appeared in Czech language on the Czech language pages of Dostihový svět