Velká pardubická features small field with Godfrey and Final Orders as favorites

The 136th running of the Velká pardubická steeplechase features a ten-horse field, the smallest starting lineup since 1993. Experts attribute the low number of participants to recent dry weather and hard track conditions.

Bookmakers identify Godfrey and Final Orders as the primary favorites, both with odds around 2.9:1. Godfrey will be ridden by seven-time winner Jan Faltejsek, who seeks an eighth title to equal the record held by Josef Váňa. Final Orders will be ridden by Keith Donoghue, the defending champion who won last year aboard Stumptown.

Other notable competitors include Sacamira, ridden by Lenka Neprašová, who is the sole female participant in the race. The event is expected to be highly competitive despite the reduced field size.