Prague

By bus

The easiest way to get to Velká Chuchle Racecourse is by metro, line B, to Smíchovské nádraží station. There are several bus lines that will take you to Velká Chuchle. Line 244 stops directly in front of the main entrance to the racecourse (the name of the stop is Závodiště Chuchle).

You can also take lines number 129, 241 and 318, get off at the Dostihová stop and walk for about 800 metres (from the bus stop you walk along Dostihová Street in the direction of a railway crossing where you will turn left to Radotínská Street).

By train

The suburban train line "S7" Praha-Beroun (free of charge for season ticket holders) from either Praha-Hlavní nádraží or Praha-Smíchov train stations is an easy way of getting there. The trains stop just 200 metres from the main entrance to the racecourse. Information about schedules can be easily found on the website of České dráhy (the name of the stop is: Praha, Velká Chuchle).

By car

From the city centre, follow the directions to Strakonice. After passing the Barrandov Bridge (Barrandovský most), continue straight to Malá Chuchle (you will pass by a railway bridge and a petrol station), turn right towards Velká Chuchle, go through Malá Chuchle (Paroplavební Street), turn right again (to Mezichuchelská Street) and continue to Velká Chuchle (the railway will be on your right). In Velká Chuchle before the railway crossing, continue straight (to Radotínská Street), soon you will see the grandstand building. On the way back to the city centre, we recommend Mezichuchelská Street running alongside the railway and joining Strakonická Street in Malá Chuchle.

Parking is situated on the left after the "Závodiště Chuchle" bus terminal. Parking fee: 100 CZK. Capacity: 500 parking lots.

Refreshments available on site: restaurant with a spacious terrace on the 1st floor of the grandstand, café, food trucks and fast food stands. Roofed grandstand. 

For families with children

Children and teenagers receive special attention in the Chuchle Arena Prague. Admission is free for children under 15; youth under 18 pay half of the admission fee.

Outdoor play area

Offers modern play equipment including a sandpit, swings and much more, there are also benches for parents.

Pony rides

On racedays during our season, if the weather permits, children can enjoy a ride on the backs of our popular ponies Jupík, Vilík and Bajaja. The pony rides are free, but guests can leave a voluntary contribution or children can bring some titbits for the ponies like carrots, apples, etc. 

Indoor play area "FOALS" 

The popular indoor play area „Foals“ is situated on the ground floor of the betting hall and is open on every raceday. Aside from the ball pool, slide and bouncy castle, children can also enjoy special children’s programmes and prize competitions. Parents can watch their children from a neighbouring coffee bar. 

Where can I buy tickets?

Tickets are sold at the ticket office at the entrance to the venue on the raceday, sales start two hours before the start of the first race. Full price tickets can be purchased online at the online presale, where you can get a lower price.

Do you have discounted ticket types?

Children up to 15 years of age and disabled card holders are free of charge. Youth under 18, students under 26 and people 60 years and older pay reduced admission. The classic family admission is not introduced due to the fact that children do not pay admission.

Are dogs allowed?

Dogs are allowed on a leash only and the owner must clean up any excrement.

Is there a dress code?

There is no prescribed dress code for general visitors. If formal dress is required, e.g. for the VIP lounge, this information is stated directly on the invitation or voucher.

What is the best time to arrive at the racecourse? When does the raceday start?

If you want to catch the first race in peace, it is ideal to plan your arrival 30 to 45 minutes before the start. The racetrack area, including the refreshment stands and restaurant, is open two hours before the start of the first race. The start times for the event and the start of the first race can always be found in the event details.

How long do the races last? How many races are run?

One race lasts on average one and a half minutes, a steeplechase around five to nine minutes. There are usually 8 races during a raceday with 30 minute breaks. The total duration of a raceday is around 3.5 hours.

The races are divided, among other things, according to performance categories, the main race (the highest category of a given raceday) is usually placed in the second part of the programme, but only exceptionally at the very end.

What can I expect during the raceday?

• 30 minutes before the start of the first race, the raceday is opened by local radio.
• About 20 minutes before the start, the horses are introduced to the spectators in the paddock, where the riders also arrive 10 minutes before the start.
• With them in the saddles, the horses then leave the paddock 5 minutes before the start and head to the starting point in a 'test gallop'. This may be at a different place on the track each time, depending on the length of the race. The finish is always at the same place.
• At the time of the scheduled start, the judges will give the signal to start.
• After the race has been run, the official result is announced and the winners are decorated in the ceremonial paddock. This is usually about 10 to 15 minutes after the race and in the meantime the horses that will start in the next race on the programme are already being introduced in the paddock.

How can I watch the races? Do I need binoculars?

The best overview will be from the grandstand. Positions in the higher rows will give you a better view, while the lower rows, or the pavement in front of the grandstand, will give you closer contact with the horses in the homestraight. It is a good idea to take your chosen seat in the grandstand about 5 to 10 minutes before the scheduled start of the race. There are large screens in the racecourse and screens inside the grandstand with an internal video circuit. Our tip: if you want to watch the race like a proper "turfman", equip yourself with binoculars and you will have the racing action in the palm of your hand even from the height of the grandstand.

Where can I find out in advance which horses will run in the races?

All important information not only about the participants of the races, but also about the entire schedule of the raceday is contained in the Racing card, which you can buy right at the entrance to the racetrack. Start lists for the weekend races are closed on Tuesday of the week and can be found in advance on our website in the race details.

How and where can I place my bet?

Betting is an important part of horse racing and can be done directly at the racetrack at marked places. Bets are usually placed after you have seen the horses before the race in the paddock.

Is there a live streaming of all the races?

If you are not able to attend the raceday directly, you can watch the stream HERE >>

On the southern outskirts of Prague, on the left bank of the Vltava River, there is a unique area of a top racecourse. It was founded in 1906 and made Velká Chuchle so famous that two horseshoes were incorporated into the emblem of this Prague district. The rich history is followed by the modern present and visions of a spectacular future.

28 September 1906: opening ceremony of the new racecourse, first day of racing.

13 May 1911: landing of aviator Jan Kašpar on the historic pioneering flight Pardubice-Prague.

1914-1918: the First World War, the only multi-year period when no horse races were held in Velké Chuchle. The facilities of this exceptional sports venue fully meet the demanding requirements for hosting top-class events and the facilities for participants and visitors are undergoing constant improvement and upgrading. The spectator stand, which also houses a stylish restaurant offering top quality food, has a seating capacity of 3,200, but the entire sector can accommodate up to ten thousand visitors.

13 May 1920: the resumption of racing operations under the banner of the newly established Čsl. Jockey Club.

22 May 1921: the first edition of the Czechoslovak Derby is held.

17 May 1931: official visit of Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk to the Chuchel racecourse, on the occasion of the Czechoslovakian Jockey Club. M.

9 May 1945: a large stable fire caused by the explosion of a railway carriage with ammunition. The racecourse creates a unique oasis of relaxation and entertainment in a natural environment, yet it is easily and quickly accessible by public transport from the centre of the metropolis. The Chuchel racecourse is the venue for galloping and trotting races, polo tournaments, parkruns and other equestrian competitions. It is an ideal excursion destination for individuals, couples, groups of friends, hiking expeditions or families with children.

June 3, 1962: the first live television broadcast of the races in Velká Chuchla.

8 April 1973: first use of the new starting boxes.

23 June 1985: last day of racing in front of the old grandstands.

April 1, 1991: first race day in front of the new grandstands.

12 August 2002: the millennium flood, from which the racecourse recovered and was again hosting races the following spring.

The horse, which has accompanied man for many thousands of years, is one of the most respected, loved and admired animals. The Velká Chuchle racecourse is a place that clearly proves this.