tompkins
08-08-2006, 11:58 AM
While the European flat racing season is usually culminated on the first weekend in October with the Grad Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe, there is a much more intriguing race held since Novermber 1874 on the SECOND Sunday in October at a race course a few miles from Prague in the Czech Republic called the Grand Velka Pardubice, or as many English riders who have tried it refer to it as the "Devil's race"
Slightly shorter but much more dangerous that the Grand National at Aintree, this little know race is gaining in popularity in Europe as it is unique and very dangerous.
Horses run on a figure of 8 several times through a mini-forest over 59 jumps, the most dangerous of which is called the Taxis (in honor of a nobleman who complained when the jump, previously known as the deep ditch, was to be changed) after negotiating a 12 foot fence, the horses are suprised by an equally deep 12 foot ditch. Animal rights activits have been up in arms (as they were with Beecher's Brook at Aintree finally lobbying to have it filled in) since a few horse per year fall at this hazard.
Slightly shorter but much more dangerous that the Grand National at Aintree, this little know race is gaining in popularity in Europe as it is unique and very dangerous.
Horses run on a figure of 8 several times through a mini-forest over 59 jumps, the most dangerous of which is called the Taxis (in honor of a nobleman who complained when the jump, previously known as the deep ditch, was to be changed) after negotiating a 12 foot fence, the horses are suprised by an equally deep 12 foot ditch. Animal rights activits have been up in arms (as they were with Beecher's Brook at Aintree finally lobbying to have it filled in) since a few horse per year fall at this hazard.