Official Velka Pardubicka 2026 Packages

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.

Why book with Racing Breaks

Bespoke Experiences

Let our team of racing & travel experts build you your perfect itinerary with your choice of hotel, hospitality and more.

Unique Event

Experience one of the oldest and toughest steeplechased in the world!

Sightseeing & Culture

A chance to explore Prague, an incredible city full of history and culture.

Sample Czech Beer

Enjoy some authentic Czech beer…at a very reasonable price!

On-site Racing Breaks Team

You’ll be joined in Prague by our team of racing & travel experts who will be on hand to assist you 24/7 to ensure you have the best trip.

The Velká Pardubická with Racing Breaks

A trip to the Velká Pardubická with Racing Breaks is more than just a day at the races. All our experiences can be tailored to suit individual requirements, should you wish to extend your time in Prague or head on to another destination afterwards, we can help!

We also offer a range of excursions allowing you to immerse yourself in some unique cultural experiences that the city of Prague offers.

Overview

Day 1

Friday 9th October 2026

Upon arrival into Prague Airport you will be met by your transportation and transferred directly to your chosen hotel.
You’ll have the rest of the day at leisure to explore Prague.
That afternoon/evening you may wish to add on one our optional excursions such as a Traditional Folklore Dinner.

Day 1

Day 2

Saturday 10th October 2026

Today is a chance for you to head out and explore the historic city of Prague.
You may wish to add on another of our optional excursions such as a tour of the historic Prague Castle, or experience a Brewery Tour!

Day 2

Day 3

Sunday 11th 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.

Day 3

Day 4

Monday 12th 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!

Day 4

Hotel experiences

EA Embassy Prague Hotel

from £329 per person

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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

Why stay here?

Central Prague Location
Close to Bars & Restaurants
Close to Popular Sites
Quick & Easy Airport Transfer

Kings Court Hotel Prague

from £499 per person

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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

Why stay here?

Luxury 5* Hotel
On-site Bar & Restaurant
Close to many attractions
Quick & Easy Airport Transfer

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.

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!

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).

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 excursion 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 excursion requires a minimum of 5 guests (smaller groups may be combined with other guests)

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

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.

09:30

Gates Open

11:00

First Race

16:30

Last Race (The Velká Pardubická)

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.

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"

"Had not even considered the Velka until I saw it was something Racing Breaks offered. What a trip, brilliant weekend in Prague with lots to do and see and a real treat of a trip to Pardubice on Sunday. Loved the racing, fascinating race and a bucket list trip for every jump racing fan!"

Simon, 2023

"Just returned from Prague for a trip to the Velka organised by Racing Breaks. We had a fantastic experience, the staff were so helpful and knowledgeable. The hotel was great, amazing location! We're thinking of returning next year, or we might go elsewhere with Racing Breaks!"

Claire, 2023