This year’s Veľká Pardubická was forever recorded in history. The 134th edition of the famous horse race was the first ever, which ended with the decoration of two winners.
Športweb 16.10.2024 20:24
Photo: ČTK / Vondrouš Roman
Josef Váňa in Tiumen at Veľká Pardubická 2014.
After an incredibly close finish, Ján Faltejsek on the horse Godfrey and Jaroslav Myška, who triumphed on the 22nd attempt with the horse Sexy Lord, took the triumph in the 134th edition.
At first it seemed that only Myška won, who led for a long time in the final straight.
But then came the official verdict that the 134th edition of the famous steeplechase cross country ended with a “dead run” of the eight-year-old horses Sexy Lord and Godfrey.
Read more They examined the camera for long minutes. The 134th edition of Veľká Pardubická rewrote history, two winners were declared after a dead heat
The most successful Czech jockey of all time, Josef Váňa (71), thought that he had already experienced everything in horse racing, but he only saw with his own eyes several horses crossing the finish line at the same time (i.e. a dead run) at this year’s Veľká.
He admitted that he once tried to organize something similar himself. “I’ve never experienced it myself in the saddle, but once I wanted to realize it through my stupidity.
And it almost took revenge on me,” said the eight-time VP winner for Czech Blesk with humor.
Read more I’m done with horses, I won’t throw manure! The famous Czech jockey shocked in front of Veľka Pardubická, he talks about the fall
“A long time ago, I took part in the qualification, during which Pavle kašný and I had about a 300-meter lead over the others.
When we were in the arc, I say to him: Come on, we’ll do a dead run,” he described how he tempted his opponent in the duel of horses Vronsky and Vederemo.
Fortunately for him, thanks to the functional target camera, he crossed the finish line by the nose of the horse earlier. Fortunately, because otherwise he would have been threatened with disqualification and a longer distance for influencing the outcome of the race.
“Today, I’m glad that it turned out that way. Otherwise, I could have easily lost my license for a few years for tampering,” the racing legend assessed.
Read more The legendary Josef Váňa: Železník was a little rascal, but he drove me like a rocket. I still go to his grave today
The Veľká Pardubická: A Historic First with Two Champions!
Well, gather ‘round, folks! If you think this year’s Veľká Pardubická was just any ol’ horse race, think again! No, no, no! This was the 134th edition of that glorious steeplechase extravaganza that just flipped the script on how we crown our champions. Picture this: the first-ever race that ended with not one, but two jubilant jockeys raising their hands in victory. I mean, do you think the horses were in on it too? Just a couple of overachievers wanting to share the glory!
Dead Heat? More Like Dead Hilarity!
So, there we had it. Ján Faltejsek on his trusty steed, Godfrey, and Jaroslav Myška on his gallant companion, Sexy Lord, both stormed across the finish line with remarkable timing that had officials scratching their heads and frantically analyzing camera footage for far longer than it takes to finish a game of Monopoly! Seriously, how do you even explain that? “Well, it’s a bit like my last relationship—both sides thought they’d won, but it ended in a draw!”
Memo to All Jockeys: No One Likes a Showboat!
Initially, Myška seemed to have it in the bag, leading like a boss all the way, but hold on there! Here comes Faltejsek, galloping faster than my internet connection when I’m trying to download a movie! In the world of exciting sports commentary, they call this a “photo finish,” and trust me, even my grandmother would have tuned in for that suspense! That’s right, Grandma! Forget your knitting—this is where the real action is!
The Legend Reflects
And speaking of legends, the prince of the saddle himself, Josef Váňa, weighed in on the spectacle. The man’s seen it all, and he wasn’t just talking about his own incredible jockeying history! He admitted he’d never quite witnessed a true dead heat like this in his illustrious career. And let’s be honest—it takes a certain kind of bravery to try and organize ONE of those yourself! “Next plan, Josef? Maybe not!” he quipped with that signature charm, recalling his own near-miss with a wannabe synchronized finish that could have turned into a disaster worthy of its own reality show segment.
Is It All Just a Game?
This year’s race was a breathtaking mix of athleticism, strategy, and just a hint of ludicrousness. Can you imagine two horses strutting around as if they just won the lottery, while the jockeys debate who gets to do victory laps? “No, you take the first round, I insist!” It’s reminiscent of those awkward moments in sports where people just can’t decide who gets what trophy. Maybe they should just take turns! “You’ve had your moment, now back to the glue factory!”
All’s Well That Ends in Horseplay
All joking aside, this is a remarkable moment in equestrian history that would go down the annals of time—two winners basking in the spotlight with no idea how they got there, other than sheer tenacity and perhaps a sprinkle of luck! Next year, let’s hope the horses can negotiate their own terms. How about a winner-take-all dance-off across the finish line? Get those hoofs tapping!
So there you have it, folks! A bonkers yet brilliant chapter added to the legacy of the Veľká Pardubická. One thing’s for certain: this race has set the bar high for all future races, and any jockey dreaming about a ‘dead run’ better make sure they’re ready for a proper showdown!
