Pardubice Racecourse

Pardubice Racecourse in the East Bohemian city of Pardubice is one of the world's most storied jump racing venues and the permanent home of the Velká Pardubická (Grand Pardubice) — widely considered the most demanding steeplechase ever created. Established in 1874, the course spans a 6.9-kilometre route across the Czech countryside, combining a portion of the race track with open fields and 31 obstacles including the infamous Taxis Ditch — a bank-and-ditch combination that has eliminated competitors since the race's inception. The Grand Pardubice, held on the second Sunday of October, is one of Central Europe's most significant sporting events, drawing crowds of 20,000+ and international media coverage. Beyond the Grand Pardubice, Pardubice hosts a flat racing programme and a summer jump meeting — the course's unique infrastructure supports a calendar of events that make it the hub of Czech racing. The Pardubice facility includes the Jockey Club's primary facilities for East Bohemia and the Czech Republic's principal racing administration outside of Prague.