If nothing else happens during today’s program, the fourth Great Pardubice awaits Adam Čmiel. In 2020 he was tenth with Bugsie Malone, a year later he stopped a tired Beau Rochelais at the finish. Last year, he also got to the start at the last minute instead of the injured Jan Odložil. They did not reach the finish line with Royal Gin, they paid the price for a mass collision on Taxis.
Martin Liška was unlucky at the finish of the preparation. After falling from the mare Serena Chope, he ended up in the hospital. “We were driving along the fence when a doe ran at us, I tried to hold the mare, but somehow I got under her and ended up here,” Liška told Dostihový svět. “Luckily everything seems to be working in my body so I should be able to pull myself together over the winter. This year, however, I’m done with riding.”
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He immediately sought replacement jockeys for his horses. Especially for the ten-year-old Argan, who belongs to the wider circle of favorites of Velká Pardubice. Two years ago, he and Liška were fifth at Argan’s premiere, and a year ago they were also involved in a fall on Taxis.
Bad luck at Taxis last year as well
“Last year we chose bad luck together when we fell on Taxis, this year I’m unlucky,” commented Martin Liška. “Argano is perfectly fine and I hope he will have a chance to sell what he can. That would please me the most on Sunday.”
Finally, he agreed with the free Adam Čmiel. “I called as soon as I could jockeysto get a refund. Adam Čmiel will drive Argana in Velká,” Liška confirmed for Racing World.
In Saturday’s Pardubice program, the experienced Marcel Novák had an unpleasant fall, who is supposed to be in the saddle of Player in Velká Pardubice. According to the statement of partner and trainer Lenka Kvapilová, Novák should be fine. “It’s OK, just bang,” Kvapilová wrote on Facebook.
