FROM THE LIFE OF ZUWIKA · 10-11 OCTOBER 2026

Velká pardubická 2026. Zuwika at the legendary Czech racecourse

Hats from Radomsko, racing excitement and a weekend in Pardubice. After the Wielka Warszawska came another meeting with fashion and the tradition of horse racing, this time in the Czech Republic.

Just two weeks ago I was at the Służewiec racecourse in Warsaw. This time I took my hats, pillbox hats and fascinators a little further: to Pardubice in the Czech Republic, where on 10 and 11 October one of the best-known racing weekends in Europe took place.

The Velká pardubická is an event with more than 150 years of history. It is famous for its exceptionally demanding course, spectacular obstacles and an atmosphere that every year attracts thousands of lovers of horses and racing traditions.

For me it was another chance to show Zuwika outside Poland.

Before the elegant guests arrived at the racecourse and the races began, the stand had to be prepared.

I arrived in Pardubice on Friday. Ahead of me was unpacking the hats, setting up the stands and preparing the display.

Anyone who has seen my stand at an event knows there are never just a few hats. Each one needs the right place, and with such a variety of styles, colours and decorations, simply laying out the collection is quite an undertaking.

Fortunately everything was ready in time.

Saturday greeted us with rain that unfortunately did not let up all day. The weather was definitely not good for walks around the racecourse or for admiring racing outfits.

Fortunately my stand was already ready, and under the tent it became really colourful. Hats, pillbox hats, fascinators, feathers and veils made a clear contrast with the grey, rainy weather.

I brought to Pardubice both classic styles and more fanciful designs. There were muted beiges and browns, but also intense reds, fuchsias, greens and yellows.

The rain might have spoilt the plans, but it did not spoil my mood. After all, Sunday was still ahead, with the most important race of the whole weekend: the Velká pardubická!

On 11 October the 136th Velká pardubická took place, the most important race of the whole weekend.

It is a race that has been part of the Czech sporting tradition since 1874. A course of almost seven kilometres, 31 obstacles and the legendary Taxis Ditch make the Velká pardubická one of the most difficult steeplechases in Europe.

This year's winner was Final Orders, ridden by the Irish jockey Keith Michael Donoghue.

But you do not have to be a racing expert to feel the atmosphere of the Velká pardubická.

It is enough to be at the racecourse on Sunday, see the crowd and feel the excitement of each stage of the race.

It is a truly unique spectacle.

I would not be myself if I did not pay attention to headwear during the races.

And there was plenty to look at!

Among the spectators you could see lots of elegant outfits, classic hats, fanciful fascinators and truly impressive headwear.

Racing fashion has something special about it. It allows more than everyday elegance. Wide brims, intense colours, feathers, veils and unexpected combinations are perfectly at home here.

And that is exactly why I love it.

For anyone who would like to see more racing outfits and hats worn by the spectators, I recommend the gallery of the Czech portal Deník.

See the gallery of spectators and hats from the Velká pardubická on the Deník portal