As a true test of stamina, equine ability and horsemanship Pardubice biggest races is The Velka Pardubicka, run over 4m 2½f, with 31 varying obstacles over a mix of grass and light plough, ranks of equal importance in steeplechasing’s role of honour to our own Grand National and The Maryland Hunt Cup.

Jan Faltejsek won the Velka Pardubicka for the fourth time as he partnered Charme Look to a convincing victory. Ange Guardian came in second followed by Zarif in third. Faltejsek had previously won the race in 2012, 2013 and 2014 with Pardubicka legend Orphee des Blins.

History: Prague is one of Europe’s most fashionable cities, an historic baroque monument to Bohemia’s past, equally comparable to Florence, Venice and Rome for the majesty of its noble buildings, squares and cobbled streets.