3 minute read

And we are not able to go to Czech Republic to see one of the great races on the calendar.

The race is a 7000m cross-country steeplechase over some 30 assorted obstacles ranging from a couple of quite tough water jumps through to the formidable Taxis which even in its modified state presents a huge challenge to horse and rider.

Despite the legendary difficulty of the race there's been a few horses who have won on more than one occasion and favourite this year is last year's winner Theophilus.  He's trained by Josef Vana who as a jockey won the race an incredible 8 times.  He was riding well into his 60s and even competing against his son.  Now he's a trainer and will saddle Theophilus who is on 7/2 in the UK with Jan Odiozil riding (different jockey to last year) and Sottovento on 7/1 who won the fourth of the qualifying races for this event and will Jan Kratochvil on board.

Hegnus was second in 2018 and last year came to grief at Taxis.  Lukas Matusky has the ride for Rodek Holcak and they are 9/2.  Tzigane du Berlais won in 2018 and another very successful jockey in this race Jan Faltejsek has the ride.  7/1 is the quote.