Velka Pardubicka race

[Huaka]

Hey, does anybody like the Velka Pardubicka? It's arguably the second toughest steeplechase after the Grand National. It's got some pretty interesting jumps and they have a very interesting route to traverse.

Here's this year's edition:

[Flanders]

I've never heard of it before but that was intense. That was a VERY interesting course layout. I didn't like how the people cheered when the first couple horses fell. That one horse that fell liked his job though. He was the only horse that lost his rider to finish and he ran like that for awhile. *whew* It looked like all the horses were ok? That's all I was worried about.

[Huaka]

I think they were all fine. I bet they got lost or parked themselves somewhere out on the large course (I saw one heading into the forest-y area earlier in the race and the other one slooooooooowwwwllllyyy finishing the race behind the first loose horse) and got picked up later.

[Elphie]

I'd say that was tougher than the Grand National! Especially with the how some of the jumps were spaced out with a couple of strides inbetween and the open water with no fence in front of it. I really liked the attitude of the grey who led most of the way and then finished 2nd And if all else fails for them, the way they all jumped the open water, they could have careers as showjumpers if nothing else!

[Huaka]

That horse was Sixteen. She actually won the race a few years back. ^^;;.

[serenassong]

Ah, thought I recognized that writing being Czech- home of some of my peeps- here's an interesting site I found:http://www.freewebs.com/becher123/

I would have to follow the lead horse and charge at the end- I guess after awhile you just remember the course. I think it is indeed more challenging than the Grand National.

[Kurenai]

The great mare Registana won this race two times (2003 and 2004).

I really love this picture of her. Note the photographer! http://www.wrbna.cz/img.php?id0=regi...ice_114_vp.jpg

Then there was Sixteen (also a mare!) who won it twice too in 07 (through disqualification) and 08. Last 2 years and this year Tiumen (gelding) won.