Rotary Fellowship of Horse Racing

We were happy to open the new racing season here in the Czech Republic with another exciting day at Pardubice Racecourse. The traditional City of Pardubice Prize – Opening Cross Country Korok brought a strong performance from Hibernian and jockey Josef Bartoš, who held on bravely to win the 4,500-metre feature race after a demanding and dramatic contest.

The day also offered another top-class moment in the Tipsport Hurdle Race, where L’Aziza Des Places under Lukáš Matuský led from start to finish in impressive style. It was a powerful and memorable way to begin the Czech jump racing season, and we are already looking forward to the next meetings ahead. 🏇🇨🇿

We were delighted to be part of the Betway Craven Meeting at Newmarket’s famous Rowley Mile, one of the great traditional curtain-raisers to the flat season. The atmosphere was full of energy, with thundering hooves, eager crowds, and the sense that a new racing year is truly underway. It was a wonderful chance to enjoy top-class racing and to watch some exciting horses begin what could be very important campaigns ahead. 

The last race day of the season 🐎🍂 brought everything we love about racing — excitement, surprises, and true sportsmanship. For the first time, we even witnessed a race being stopped mid-run after an early fall, but thankfully, the jockey walked away without any serious injury. 🙏💪

The atmosphere was perfect for an early November afternoon — calm autumn weather, the smell of turf, and cheering fans all around. The star of the day was Lukáš Matuský, who achieved a fantastic hat-trick, winning on Nel, Lord in Pink, and Storm of Beaufay! 🌟👏

The grand finale came with Impas, who delivered a breathtaking late charge under Jan Odložil, turning what seemed like a lost race into a confident victory. 🏆🍁

🇵🇱🏇 Thrilling Racing Weekend in Wrocław! 🏆🔥

What a spectacular day it was at the Wrocław Partynice Racecourse, where the legendary Crystal Cup delivered everything it’s known for — endurance, bravery, and pure adrenaline!

💥 9 horses, 5,500 meters, 27 obstacles — including the famous tribune jump, water crossings, and the demanding banket. Only the toughest combinations could conquer it, and this year’s champions were Gap Pierji with jockey Jan Kratochvíl — an absolutely outstanding performance! 👏🌟

We were especially proud that one of the trophies was presented by Petr Kvaš, board member of our Fellowship, accompanied by his expert advisor. Their presence once again strengthened the international spirit of friendship that connects racing and Rotary! 🤝💙

The supporting races also kept the excitement high — from the Prize of the Chairman of the Lower Silesian Assembly, won by Irpień & M. Novák Jr., to the intense Prize of the Marshal of the Region, where Ganibet & Jan Odložil came out on top.

💫 Wrocław delivered everything we love about horseracing — power, precision, and passion! We’re already looking forward to returning!

A Perfect Autumn Afternoon at the Kolesa Races

We spent a beautiful autumn afternoon at the steeplechase course in Kolesa, just a few kilometres from the legendary Kladruby stud farm. It’s a French-style racecourse, designed so that spectators can follow every moment of the action up close — every jump, every stride, every battle to the finish.

🍂 The atmosphere couldn’t have been better: colourful leaves, crisp air, friendly crowds, and the thunder of hooves echoing across the countryside.

🐎 Steeplechase racing is the star discipline here, and watching the horses tackle the natural fences right in front of us was a thrilling experience. No distant grandstands — just pure, authentic racing within arm’s reach.

Whether you’re a devoted racing fan or simply enjoy spending time outdoors, Kolesa is the perfect place for a relaxed day out with a touch of adrenaline.

We’re already looking forward to the next visit!

The legendary Velká pardubická steeplechase has a new champion — Stumptown, an eight-year-old Irish bay gelding, triumphed under jockey Keith Donoghue.

Despite a tense moment at the infamous Taxis Ditch, the duo delivered a stunning final sprint, overtaking High in the Sky in a thrilling finish.

Comhghairdeas ó chroí! 💚

Vítězem Velké pardubické je Irský valach Stumptown - Dostihový spolek a.s. 12. října 2025 – Po třiceti letech od slavného vítězství It´s a Snipa se v neděli dočkal další zahraniční zástupce. Vítězem 135. Velké pardubické se Slavia pojišťovnou se stal 8letý valach Stumptown, kterého v dostihu vedl žokej Keith Michael Donoghue. Hnědáka předcháze...

🇨🇿🐎 A sparkling race day in Pardubice! 🏇✨

The Crystal Cup Saturday at Pardubice Racecourse was a resounding success — a thrilling prelude to Sunday’s 135th Velká pardubická. Under a crisp autumn sky, the stands were filled with energy, tradition, and great company.

🏆 The highlight of the day, the Crystal Cup of the City of Pardubice, was claimed in dominant start-to-finish fashion by Doram, a four-year-old gelding from the Pegas stable, confidently ridden by jockey Jan Faltejsek. His steady pace and iron will left rivals trailing behind, with Le Petit Nice and Ange Pitou completing the podium.

🥇 Other notable victories included Joli Look in the Budvar Silver Trophy, Doctor Risk in the Golden Buckle for three-year-olds, and strong performances on the flat from King Mollenkot, Charpentier, and Beauty Approach. The day also featured international flair with an amateur riders’ steeplechase under the FEGENTRI World Championship.

🌀 Our Rotary Fellowship of Horse Lovers was proudly represented at the event, with several members and friends from local Rotary clubs joining to enjoy the spirit of racing and fellowship together.

✨ With great horses, beautiful weather, and vibrant company — it was a day to remember at Pardubice!

🏇✨ Another fantastic day at the races in Pardubice! 🎉🐎

Our six-year-old star ⭐ Fort Medoc once again proved his strength and class, winning his second start of the season under jockey Ondřej Velek! After taking the opening Cross Country Korok, he dominated the second qualifier for the 135th Velká pardubická by two lengths 🥇💨 — with Angkor Wat and High In The Sky close behind. 🥈🥉

Despite a slower pace and a few dramatic moments over the jumps, Fort Medoc stayed cool and delivered a brilliant finish. 💪

👏 In the Tipsport Warrior’s Cross, French jockey Andrieux impressed on his Pardubice debut, guiding Erik Le Viking to a strong win. And in the iconic Golden Cup of the City of Pardubice, the talented Rate galloped to victory with Daniel Vyhnálek in the saddle 🏆🐴

Thanks to our fellowship board member Petr Kvaš, we were also joined this time by wonderful friends from neighbouring Rotary Clubs — true fans of the racing world, who added great energy and insight to the day. 🤝🌀🐎

🎶 Great races, great horses, and even greater memories — summer racing in Pardubice is in full swing! ❤️🇨🇿🐎