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Velka Pardubicka 2009 - The Vana legend is extended even further
The 119th Velka Pardubicka, run on October 11th 2009, will go down in history as one of the great renewals of this great race. However, before beginning on a description of the drama, I must begin with an unconditional apology for being one of many who said and wrote that Josef Vana, at the age of almost 57, with a body severely impacted by numerous major racing-related injuries, and having ridden just two races this year, should not have been riding in the race.
Vana wins Velka Pardubicka again
The large field of runners led to no special problems, with only one going down at the Taxis and eighteen of the twenty five runners getting to the finish. Red Dancer and Numero Due ran prominently for most of the race, and Sixteen was always well placed. Towards the end of the race, Tiumen, trained and ridden by living legend fifty seven year old Josef Vana came to the front.
October 2009 newsletter
The October newsletter has been delayed, due to other things being given priority over it. Now it is October 9th, and the Velka Pardubicka is just 4 days away.
Betting on VP day opens
Betting on the VP Betino, the monopoly bookmaker in Czech racing, has opened its betting for Velka Pardubicka day. As is the nature of the beast, the bookmaker makes full use of the lack of any competition. At least he is offering longish odds against some, but not all of the no-hopers.
Velka Pardubicka: Chance ride for an Australian jockey
An unexpected name has appeared on the list of runners and riders for the Velka Pardubicka alongside Marath, trained by Pavel Kinsky. Australian Paul Hamblin is an unknown quantity for for most people in the Czech Republic, and he was engaged to some extent by chance. "We found out from acquaintances that this Australian jockey was planning to visit the Czech Republic, and when Josef Sovka turned down the ride on Marath, we were able to engage the rider for the Velka Pardubicka. For both parties, this is a step into the unknown.
merano: Czech Runners failed to impress
Sharstar won the Gran Premio in Meran By repeating his 2008 win (when he was only 4-y.o.), he has now inscribed his name in the Golden Book of the race as one of the few multiple winners -and with sound expectations to add a third win in close succession of time.
Central European Bloodstock Sale - Catalogue on the internet
Fifty-eight lots are announced for the 2nd Central European Bloodstock Sale, which will take place at Pardubice racecourse on Friday October 9th, beginning at 1 p.m. http://www.jandabloodstock.cz/drazba/katalogy-plnokrevni/KATALOG%20-%20Stredoevropska%20drazba%20anglickeho%20plnokrevnika%202009.pdf
Meran Gran Premio - three Czech runners
70 Gran Premio Merano - Sunday 27 September
The declaration to start takes place on Wednesday morning. But some of the sixteen entries left after the second and final forfeit stage of last week, are announced as definite non-runners, while others are doubtful. The most striking news not only for the Czech turfites, but for the Italians, is that neither Vana nor Olelha has a starter this year at Meran.