Until last year, there was a strong incentive to enter horses for the Velka Pardubicka in May, as supplementary entries in the autumn were rather expensive. However, it was wisely decided last year to reduce the cost of supplementary entries, because owners and trainers, particularly in Ireland and the UK, do not plan their season around the Velka Pardubicka, and do not want, during the summer break, to commit their horses months in advance for a race in a location that may be easy enough to get to by air, but is a long trip over sea and land in a horsebox.

Of course, Czech-based owners and trainers now also have a good option to enter their horses by September 29^th without being excessively penalized for a late entry. The number of entries in May this year – thirty eight – is lower than in the past, but most of the entered horses appear to be likely runners if things go as planned.

The entries include three past winners: Ribelino was awarded the race after Nikas was disqualified in 2015; Charme Look won impressively in 2016, and No Time To Lose was the brave winner in 2017. All seven horses that won prizemoney in last year’s race are entered: No Time To Lose; Urgent de Gregaine; Delight My Fire; Zarif; Ange Guardian; Universe of Gracie, and Bridgeur. Three 13-y-o warriors that I had expected to be retired at the end of last year are still around: Universe of Gracie; Nikas, and Kasim.

Josef Vána’s eight entries are all either major contenders or potential contenders. The living legend (picture) is sure to have his usual great impact on this year's race.

There are three entries from western Europe, including last year’s second-placed horse, Urgent de Gregaine. There will be plenty of opportunity to enter more foreign horses by the end of September. Pardubice racecourse manager Martin Korba has been actively approaching foreign trainers and owners, and will continue to do so.

128^TH VELKÁ PARDUBICKÁ with Česká pojišťovna
Stcc L - 6+ - 6900 m - 5 000 000 Kč, No. of entries: 38