Velká Pardubická
Sunday 11th October 2026
Step into the drama, danger and sheer spectacle of Europe’s most demanding steeplechase — the Velká Pardubická. First run in 1874, this cross-country race in Pardubice, Czechia, stretches over 4+ miles and challenges horses and jockeys with 31 fearsome obstacles, including the infamous Taxis Ditch.
2025 saw the first ever Irish-trained winner with Stumptown victorious for Gavin Cromwell!
Let us take you there in 2026 with one of our bespoke travel experiences that include official tickets or hospitality, curated accommodation, and seamless transfers to ensure you enjoy the ultimate Velká Pardubická weekend.
Frankie Dettori
RacingBreaks.com Founder & Ambassador
Ruby Walsh
RacingBreaks.com Ambassador
Velká Pardubická Experiences
EA Embassy Prague Hotel ★★★★
from £329 per person
Why stay here?
Centrally located in Prague
Close to city centre bars
Walk to main attractions
Easy access to airport
Conveniently located in the heart of Prague, the EA Embassy Prague Hotel is a stylish and comfortable base for those attending the Velká Pardubická. With easy access to the city’s historic centre, it’s the ideal location to enjoy a weekend of world-class racing while experiencing the charm and culture of Prague.
What's included:
- Return airport transfers
- Two (or more) nights accommodation
- Breakfast each morning
- Complimentary drink at the hotel
- Return racecourse transfers
- Ticket/Hospitality to the Velká Pardubická
- On-site Racing Breaks staff to assist
Book with a 10% deposit
Kings Court Hotel Prague ★★★★★
from £499 per person
Why stay here?
Luxury central hotel
On-site bar & restaurant
Close to many attractions
Easy access to airport
Situated in Prague’s vibrant city centre, the Kings Court Hotel offers an elegant and luxurious stay. Combining modern comfort with historic charm, it’s perfectly located for exploring Prague’s iconic landmarks. An ideal choice for racegoers seeking a premium experience both on and off the track.
What's included:
- Return airport transfers
- Two (or more) nights accommodation
- Breakfast each morning
- Complimentary drink at the hotel
- Return racecourse transfers
- Ticket/Hospitality to the Velká Pardubická
- On-site Racing Breaks staff to assist
Book with a 10% deposit
Velká Pardubická Tickets / Hospitality
There are three main options for racegoers at Pardubice Racecourse during the the Velká Pardubická, General Admission, Grandstand Seats & Hospitality. Upgrading to Grandstand Seats gives you a dedicated seat in one of the grandstands offering fantastic views over the racecourse, whilst Hospitality offers access to a private facility within one of the grandstands with food & drink available throughout the day.
General Admission
Included as standard
General Admission tickets give access to the entire racecourse excluding seats in the grandstands. Guests can view the Parade Ring and Winner's Enclosure as well as accessing great views of the track from the lawns in front of the grandstands.
Looking for tickets/hospitality only?
Grandstand Seats
upgrade from £80.00
In addition to all of the access that General Admission tickets offer you also receive a designated seat in one of the grandstands.
The seats offer fantastic raised views of the track so you can see more of the action!
Looking for tickets/hospitality only?
Hospitality
upgrade from £200.00
Access to a private hospitality facility located in one of the grandstands at the racecourse (last year this was located on the 4th floor).
Package includes food and drink throughout the day (including alcoholic beverages).
Looking for tickets/hospitality only?
Velká Pardubická Example Itinerary
Our Velká Pardubická experiences can be tailored to suit your individual requirements, should you wish to extend your time in Prague or head on to another destination afterwards, we can help! Please find an example itinerary for our two night experience below.
- Upon arrival into Prague Airport you will be met by your transportation in the arrivals hall and transferred directly to your chosen hotel.
- You'll have the rest of the day at leisure to explore Prague,.
- You may wish to add on one our optional excursions.
Saturday 10th October 2026
- After breakfast you will be met by a member of the Racing Breaks team who will help you board our transportation to Pardubice Racecourse.
- You'll enjoy the full day of racing, culminating in the historic Velká Pardubická!
- Following the conclusion of the racing you'll be transferred back to your hotel where you'll have the remainder of the evening at leisure.
Sunday 11th October 2026
- Depending on the time of your flight home you can spend some of the day exploring Prague and visiting some of the city's main attractions.
- You may wish to extend your time in Prague, or fly onto another destination!
Monday 12th October 2026
Velká Pardubická Optional Excursions
To help you make the most of your time in Prague, you may wish to consider adding one of our optional excursions to your trip!
When making your enquiry/booking please let us know if you'd be interested in attending any of the below, or adding something different!
Traditional Folklore Dinner
from £90.00
A popular excursion with our guests each year, a two and a half hour show of amazing dancers and musicians in traditional costumes from Czech regions and Moravia.
You will learn Czech songs, dances and games and also try playing the folk musical instruments.
Follow this up with a traditional 4 course Czech menu served with unlimited drinks during the dinner.
This excursion includes return transfers from your hotel.
Please note: this excursion typically takes place on Saturday evening.
Prague Castle Tour
from £75.00
Prague Castle is a castle complex dating back to the 9th century. The castle was a seat of Kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman emperors, and presidents of Czechoslovakia. According to the Guinness Book of Records, Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world, occupying an area of almost 70,000 square metres and it is the most visited place in Prague.
This excursion includes a one-way transfer from your hotel.
Please note: this excrsion requires a minimum of 5 guests (smaller groups may be combined with other guests)
Brewery Tour
from £90.00
The oldest microbrewery in town with uninterrupted production since 1499 and the largest beer hall in Prague with a total of over 1,200 seats including a large outdoor dining area! The tour of the brewery takes approximately 60 minutes and is comprised of a beer tasting, a short video, an explanation of brewing processes and history of the brewery, and of course a visit in a cellar and a brewhouse!
This excursion includes a one-way transfer from your hotel.
Please note: this excrsion requires a minimum of 5 guests (smaller groups may be combined with other guests)
Locations Map
Below you will find a map of our hotels in Prague for the Velká Pardubická. Our hotels are located within walking distance of many of Prague's main attractions. They are also only around 20 minutes from the airport.
Flights
If required, we can assist in booking flights to Prague.
There are direct flights from most UK airports with a number of different airlines.
Onwards flights are also possible for those looking to spend a few nights in another European city either before of after your time in Prague.
Flight upgrades are available to Premium Economy, Business & First Class subject to being an option on the flight booked.
About the Event
The Velká Pardubická is a famous a cross-country steeplechase run in Pardubice, Czech Republic. First run in 1874 the race takes place annually and is run over a distance of 4.28 miles and has 31 obstacles! It usually takes the horses around 10 minutes to finish the course with close finishes seemingly part of the drama each year!
There are four qualifying races during the year that Czech horses compete in with the hope of getting a place in the main event in October! Horses starting in the race must be at least six years old and it is not uncommon for British horses to make the journey, with Gordon Elliott sending Coko Beach to Pardubice for the race in 2024!
Enjoy an incredible weekend in Prague and attend one of the most unique races in the World!
Velká Pardubická Dress Code
There is no formal dress code at Pardubice Racecourse for the Velká Pardubická.
The event takes place in mid-October, so dressing for the weather and conditions is a must! Many guests do take the opportunity to dress up in outfits befitting of the time of year!
Velká Pardubická Raceday Timings
09:30 Gates Open
11:00 First Race
16:30 Last Race (The Velká Pardubická)
There is typically an opportunity for racegoers to walk the course and get up close to some of the huge obstacles following the conclusion of the racing.
Reviews
"Excellent trip to Prague to watch the racing over there, well organised and polite staff who tried their best to help everyone out but we’re very friendly and the racing was brilliant, I would recommend the company to my friends and family"