The Czech Derby, the most prestigious flat race of the domestic season, is celebrating a special anniversary this year. On June 22, Chuchle Arena Prague will host its 105th edition. The clash of three-year-old colts and fillies has captivated generations of spectators and carries a certain air of destiny—every English thoroughbred can only run it once in a lifetime, and over the 2,400-meter course, there’s no room for mistakes.“The symbol of the Derby is the laurel wreath with a blue ribbon—something every jockey, trainer, owner, and breeder dreams of winning at least once in their career. The first edition took place at Velká Chuchle back in 1921,” says journalist and presenter Martin Cáp, who last year published a unique book on the history of the Derby titled The Race for the Blue Ribbon.
He can talk for hours about the captivating stories from the history of the Czech—formerly Czechoslovak—Derby. For nearly twenty-five years, he collected archival documents, sought out forgotten photographs, and spoke with eyewitnesses, including many past winners. The result is a 568-page book packed with facts, famous names, and dramatic moments. Each Derby year is given its own dedicated chapter.The book vividly shows readers how Czech horse racing has evolved over the past century, which personalities shaped it, and what unfolded behind the scenes. “At times, I felt like a detective—many stories and fascinating details had gotten lost over the years. Some are unfortunately gone for good, but others I managed to uncover and piece back together,” Cáp notes.
In Dostihy o modrou stuhu (The Race for the Blue Ribbon), the small-scale history of sport intriguingly intersects with major historical events. Against the backdrop of thoroughbreds battling for the laurel wreath, the book traces the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the rise of the First Czechoslovak Republic, the brutality of Nazi occupation, the nationalization of private stables, several economic crises, a millennium flood, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Alongside legendary horses like Masis, Lionel, Symbol, Darsalam, Ray Of Light, and Age Of Jape, the narrative features figures such as President Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk—who personally attended the Derby in Chuchle in 1931—as well as Zdenko Radslav Kinský, Jan Antonín Baťa, one of the architects of World War I Leopold Berchtold, and the SS commander in the Protectorate, Count Carl Pückler. “That’s why I believe this is a compelling topic not only for racing enthusiasts,” says Cáp. “The Derby and its history are a unique phenomenon—a mirror reflecting the evolution of Czech society. It’s a shame it hasn’t received the attention it truly deserves until now.”
In his book—which can be purchased during race days at the Chuchle Arena information stand or online at Cupto.cz—Cáp reveals, among other things, how Czechoslovak soldiers, shortly after World War II, confiscated the parents of Masis, the horse later dubbed “Horse of the Century,” in South Bohemia. He also uncovers a surprising connection between the Derby and the famous novella Death of Beautiful Deer by Ota Pavel. Chuchle races were once enthusiastically attended by comedians Vlasta Burian and Ferenc Futurista, actress Adina Mandlová, and surrealist artist Zdeněk Rykr, known today as the designer of the iconic chocolate bar wrapper. “There are many such unexpected discoveries,” adds Cáp. “Few people know, for example, that the famous Czech-German writer Franz Kafka was an avid fan of the Chuchle races.” His book vividly illustrates how the Czech Derby has evolved into a unique sporting and cultural phenomenon. And this June, yet another name will be added to the list of winners.
