It’s the 132nd Velka Pardubicka, the Gran Pardiubicka of 2022 on Sunday, and can the 2021 hero Talent as race favourite make it consecutive victories in the ‘world’s toughest horse race.’
In winning last year’s gruelling cross-country steeplechase of 6900m in 9-12.79mins for trainer Hana Kebelkova, he faces 14 opponents all carrying 70kg, and be ridden again by Pavel Slozil Jr.
Racing in the yellow, green and brown silks of DS Kebelkovi, the 11yo Talent won first-up over 5800m in June, but was last start casualty when dislodging his jockey to avoid fallen horses.
However, in a sport where man and horse can be treated as ‘national treasures,’ it was the 1969 champion Korok who was crowned a ‘national hero’ in clearly defeating the Soviets.
With Korona and trainer-jockey Vaclav Chaloupka winning their first Velka Pradubicka that year they had defeated all five Russian riders and were personally congratulated by President Svoboda.
With the Russians invading in 1968 the nation was in a fighting mood, and the defeat of the Soviet horsemen was a great occasion for all Czechs, and a moment thoroughly enjoyed by Vaclav.
However, where does the Vaclav Chaloupka – Korok story begin – be it a ‘leash’ foal purchase, the cancelled Velka Pardubicka of 1968, or a ‘national hero’ in defeating the Russians.
On seeing Korok for the first time, Vaclav clearly recalled that he had a strange twinkle in his eye, but his leg was bent to the right at the carpel joint, that appeared to be in a kneeling position.
Although he appeared to walk with a limp, he was very well bred in being sired by Czechoslovak stallion of the century in Astyanax, with his dam Cosyria also having an excellent pedigree.
Vaclav had begun work at the Sinkwice Stud Farm in 1964 at 16 years-of-age where he had spent his childhood, with the stud farm being under the directorship of the Zidlochovice Estate.
In 1960 the Director of State Farm of Zidlochovice had purchased the 2yo Laska and a yearling later named Kamos on a visit to the Montesice Stud Farm, which was in financial difficulty.
In also offering Kamos’s full-brother Korok as a so-called ‘leash’ horse, Motesice were selling as many horses as possible for they had little fodder to feed their hoses, and required assistance.
With Vaclav quickly adapting to his new lifestyle and clearly showing a talent for cross-country steeple-chasing, he was entrusted for the somewhat ‘unwanted’ Korok who he rode and trained.
In being described as an ‘extremely intelligent’ horse Korok was able to deal with his handicap in adapting his movement and jumping style to qualify for the Velka Pardubicka in 1968.
However, with Soviet tanks arriving in August the start of the Velka Pardubicka was under threat, and with many sporting events beginning to closed the Velka Pardubicka was later cancelled.
With Václav serving in the army based in Mikulov, he was bitterly disappointed as he had Korok perfectly prepared with his senior officers allowing him to go training every weekend.
1968 was described by Vaclav as a ‘hard time’ as he, and all of Czechoslovakia, were on constant combat alert and always confined to barracks it wasn’t clear to all what was going to happen.
However, with all five Russians failing to finish in the 1969 Velka Pardubicka, it was a victory for the Motesice Stud Farm as in addition to Korok, had Mohyla, Gavora and Kostrava all finish.
Korok went onto to win the Velka Pardubice again in 1971 and 1972 plus an addition 25 races for the State Farm of Zidlochovice, and after the third event it was decided that he not race again.
Retired strong and healthy, but as a 13 year-old Korok began to suffer from osteoarthritis in his affected leg, and as ‘the best thing to do is to stop as greed is not a good thing.’
