Ever since Barbora Málková rode Charme Look to victory in the Vltava Stakes at last year’s Velka Pardubicka meeting, we have enjoyed the prospect of a horse with a real chance in the 2016 Velka being owned by a Czech lady, having a Czech lady trainer and a Czech lady rider. Sadly, however, Barbora was hurt in a fall an hour before the 3^rd VP qualification race at the end of August. She missed the winning ride on Charme Look in that race. She was passed fit after the fall, but was in pain on the following days, and a second X-ray showed a broken vertebra, and the need for an operation. She will not be fit to ride on October 9^th.

The ride on Charme Look in the 3^rd qualification race was taken on at short notice by Lukáš Sloup. Lukáš will be one of many offering to take the ride on Charme Look in October. Trainer Martina Růžičková has said that the ride will go to a Czech rider, but has she has not yet made a selection.

The 3rd qualification race, over 5 800 metres, was Charme Look’s first race over a distance of more than 4 500 metres, and he stayed on really well. The distance of the Velka is 6 900 metres, which is completely unknown territory for this good horse.

Two other riders who are expected to ride in the Velka will also attract very special interest and support. Josef Váňa snr will be on Rabbit Hawk Wing, provided all goes well for them in the 4th qualification race on September 10th. An even more popular winner would be Marek Stromský, who is expected to ride Nikas again, after this pair were correctly but unfortunately disqualified after being first past the post in the 2015 Velka Pardubicka, when banned substances were found in the horse’s body fluids. Nikas is also entered for the 4th qualification race, which will be run at Pardubice on Saturday.