Kolesa, Czech Republic
The Velká Pardubická was first held in 1874, and has gained a reputation as one of the toughest and most grueling steeplechases in the world. Held each October in the town of Pardubice in the Czech Republic, the race has been run almost every year since its founding.
The steeplechase was not held during the two world wars, nor in 1968, because of the political situation in the then Czechoslovakia. Adverse weather conditions have only twice led to its cancellation.
Due to the difficulty of the track, horses cannot compete unless they are at least seven years old and have finished one of the four qualifying races held between May and September at different locations around the country.
The Velká Pardubická is run over a distance of 6,900 meters, with the horses having to negotiate a total of 31 obstacles—some of legendary difficulty. The most notorious is Taxis Ditch, a one-meter-deep ditch hidden behind a hedge half as high again. Over the years the obstacle has cost the lives of 27 horses.
The race usually lasts around ten minutes, and is run by 15 to 20 horses, ridden by some of the best jockeys in the country. Winning—or at least competing in—the Velká Pardubická is considered the highpoint of a jockey’s career.
Le Velká Pardubická ou Grand Steeple-chase de Pardubice, dont la première édition a eu lieu en 1874, est réputé pour être l’un des steeplechases les plus difficiles et éprouvants au monde. Tenue annuellement en octobre dans la ville de Pardubice en République Tchèque, la course a eu lieu presque chaque année depuis sa création.
Sur la piste du Grand Steeple-chase de Pardubice de 6 900 mètres, les chevaux doivent négocier 31 obstacles au total – dont certains sont d’une difficulté légendaire. Le plus connu, la tranchée Taxis d’un mètre de profondeur derrière une haie de 1,5 mètre de haut, a déjà coûté la vie à 27 chevaux.
La course, où 15 à 20 chevaux sont montés par les meilleurs jockeys du pays, dure environ dix minutes. Gagner le Grand Steeplechase de Pardubice, ou du moins y participer, est considéré comme le summum de la carrière d’un jockey.
