What is a steeplechase in equestrian sport. Great National Steeplechase of England. Types of horse racing

The steeplechase was first played in England in 1792 over a distance of 8 miles. Currently, steeplechase is played on hippodromes or specially equipped areas with artificial stationary obstacles of the field type: brushwood fences, earthen ramparts, fences, hedges, as well as dry and water-filled ditches, etc.

Horses of 4 years old are allowed to participate in steeplechase - at a distance from 1600 to 3200 m, older horses - at a distance of 4500-7000 m. As a rule, horses that have not shown outstanding abilities at 2 and 3 years old on smooth tracks become participants in steeplechase horse racing (without obstacles). The most difficult steeplechases are considered to be the Grand National (Liverpool) and the Grand Pardubice (Czech Republic). In Russia, steeplechase is played at a distance of 4000-6000 m for horses of a thoroughbred riding breed or, which is much less common, various crosses of thoroughbred horses with other riding breeds. Horses that compete in steeplechases are called steeplers, just like their jockeys. A steepler horse never competes in a smooth race. She is trained specifically for steeplechase racing. It is also very rare for a steeplechase jockey to ride a smooth racing horse.

One of the most famous steepler jockeys is Briton Tony McCoy, who won 289 hurdle races in one season, 2001-2002. In total, from 1992 to 2002, he won 2211 hurdle races and for this achievement was included in the Guinness Book of Records.

Competitions

Cheltenham Gold Cup

This steeplechase has been running since 1924 in England and is one of the most important steeplechases in the world. The distance of this race is 5200 m, along the distance there are 22 barriers in the form of hedges and barriers made of brushwood. The most famous horse of this steeplechase was the stallion named Golden Miller, who was unbeaten in this steeplechase for five years in a row (from 1932 to 1936). Another famous horse of this steeplechase is the famous Arkle, who won this steeplechase three times, each time leaving his rivals far behind. Since then, a monument to this outstanding winner has stood at Cheltenham Hippodrome.

Liverpool Steeplechase

This, the largest in length, the most difficult in terms of conditions, the oldest and most prestigious steeplechase on the planet, the British call the Grand National. This steeplechase took place for the first time in February 1836. It takes place annually every first Saturday of April near Liverpool in the small town of Aintree at the racecourse of the same name. The Grand National distance is 7250 m, the number of barriers is 30, the height of the barriers is about 1.5 m. The race is divided into two circles, 14 of the 16 barriers located on the circle are overcome by horses twice, the remaining two horses jump when approaching the finish line. Up to 40 horses can start. The most famous horse of the Liverpool Grand National is the bay stallion Red Ram, a legend of English steeplechase racing. This horse started this steeplechase five times, was first three times, and second twice. A statue of Red Rum stands at Aintree Racecourse.

Pardubice steeplechase

The Greater Pardubice steeplechase is the second most important steeplechase in terms of distance after the Liverpool steeplechase, but it is just as difficult and difficult. This steeplechase was founded by the Czech Count Zdenko Kinski after he won the Liverpool Steeplechase. It first took place in 1874 in the small Czech town of Pardubice, for which it received its name. The Pardubice Steeplechase takes place every second Saturday in October, often in the autumn rain, which adds to the challenge for horses and jockeys. The distance of the Pardubice steeplechase is 6900 m, the fourth part of the route runs through a plowed field, which turns into a thick viscous slurry when it rains. There are 30 obstacles along the course, twenty-seven of which must be overcome twice. Soviet horsemen took an active part in the Pardubice steeplechase.

For three years in a row (1957-1959), the winner in Pardubice was the thoroughbred stallion from the USSR Epigraf (Elbgraf - Gassira) under the saddle of Vladimir Fedin, and then Vladimir Prakhov. Other Soviet horsemen also won here: Grifel with Ivan Avdeev (1960-1961) took first place twice. In 1962, Gaboy and his jockey Rostislav Makarov became the winners. In 1967, the race was won by Dresden and its jockey Alexander Sokolov. In 1987, Nikolai Khludenev won this steeplechase on Eros. last time for the USSR. In addition to purebred riding horses, horses of the Budennovsky breed also took part here. So, in 1964, the winner was the stallion of this breed Priboi (Bezh - Paranja) with jockey Valentin Gorelkin.

In 1993, Rigoletto from Budyonnovsk, and in 1994, also from Budyonnovsk Erudite under the saddle of the Czechs, also became winners here. Three times in 1981-1983, the winner in Pardubice was the purebred stallion Sagar from the USSR, but under the saddle of a Czech jockey. Another three-time winner of the Pardubice steeplechase was the stallion Železnik and his jockey from Czechoslovakia Jozsef Vanya in 1988-1990. The main character of the Pardubice Steeplechase is the stallion Korok, born in 1962. from Slovakia, who won three times in Pardubice under the saddle of jockey Václav Chołupka. He first started in this steeplechase in 1969 and won, far ahead of his rivals. In 1970 he refused to jump one of the obstacles and did not reach the finish line, but in 1971 he started for the third time in Pardubice and won again. The last victory of the unique stallion took place in 1972.

Other famous steeplechases on the planet are

• Steeplechase in Auteuil (France)
• Maryland Steeplechase (USA)
• Colonial Cup in Camden, USA, South Carolina

Steeplechase in Russia

In Russia there are very few hurdle races. The largest Russian steeplechases are the Epigraph Prize for four-year-old and older thoroughbred horses over a distance of 4000 m and the Great All-Russian Steeplechase for horses of the same breed six years and older over a distance of 6000 m. Both steeplechases are held at the Pyatigorsk Hippodrome .

Notes

Literature

• Livanova T. Horses. - M.: AST, 2004. - ISBN 5-17-005955-8
• Watson M., Lyon R., Montgomery S. Horses. - M.: Profizdat, 2001. - ISBN 978-5-255-01406-4

Links

Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

See what Steeple Chase is in other dictionaries:

- (English steeplechase), in equestrian sport, racing for horses from 4 years old at distances of 4000-7000 m with difficult obstacles (up to 30); V athletics running along the stadium track for 3000 m with hurdles (one in front of the water pit). * * * STEEPLE CHASE STEEPLE CHASE ... encyclopedic Dictionary

- (English steeplechase), in equestrian sports, racing for horses over 4 years old at distances of 4000-7000 m with difficult obstacles (up to 30); in athletics, running along a stadium track for 3000 m with hurdles (including one in front of a water pit) ... Modern encyclopedia

- (English steeplechase) in equestrian sport, racing for horses over 4 years old at distances of 4000-7000 m with difficult obstacles (up to 30); in athletics, running along a stadium track for 3000 m with hurdles (one in front of a pit with water) ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

Steeple Chase- (English steeplechase), in equestrian sports, racing for horses over 4 years old at distances of 4000-7000 m with difficult obstacles (up to 30); in athletics, running along a stadium track for 3000 m with hurdles (including one in front of a water pit). ... Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary

- (English steeplechase, from steeple spire, bell tower and chase race; initially steeplechase towards the bell tower) 1) in athletics (See Athletics) running a distance of 3000 m (along a 400-meter stadium track) with ... ...

STEEPLE CHASE- (eng. steeplechase), horse racing on long distances with massive stationary obstacles. Distance of the most difficult in the world Greater Liverpool (Great Britain) 7200 m with 30 high obstacles. up to 150 cm, Bolshoy Pardubicky S. h.... ...

- (English Chase) English surname. Contents 1 People 2 Characters 3 Other 4 ... Wikipedia

Look up "chase" in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. Chase may mean: Chase is a generally accepted abbreviation of a botanist's name, which is added to the names of some taxa of botanical (binary) nomenclature and indicates that the author of these ... ... Wikipedia

Types of riding and horse handling for sporting purposes. The first mention of the participation of horse-drawn chariots in the Olympic Games (See. Olympic Games) dates back to 680 BC. e.; first message about inclusion in the program... Great Soviet Encyclopedia

HORSEBACK RIDING- horse riding competitions. Basic types of competitions: dressage, show jumping (overcoming obstacles), eventing, hurdle racing, horse racing, vaulting and horse riding, equestrian ski competitions, equestrian games. Manezhnaya... ... Agricultural Encyclopedic Dictionary

Steeple chase (less commonly, steeple chase) is originally a race over rough terrain to a pre-agreed point.

Horses of 4 years old are allowed to participate in steeplechase - at a distance from 1600 to 3200 m, older horses - at a distance of 4500-7000 m. As a rule, horses that have not shown outstanding abilities at 2 and 3 years old on smooth tracks become participants in steeplechase horse racing (without obstacles). The most difficult steeplechases are considered to be the Grand National (Liverpool) and the Grand Pardubice (Czech Republic). In Russia, steeplechase is played at a distance of 4000-6000 m for horses of a thoroughbred riding breed or, which is much less common, various crosses of thoroughbred horses with other riding breeds. Horses that compete in steeplechases are called steeplers, just like their jockeys. A steepler horse never competes in a smooth race. She is trained specifically for steeplechase racing. It is also very rare for a steepler jockey to mount a smooth racing horse.

The Great Pardubice Steeple Chase is international competitions in equestrian sports, which are among the most difficult and most prestigious cross-country races in continental Europe. With this sporting event Only the Grand National Liverpool Steeplechase, held annually in England, can compete.

The Great Pardubice Steeple Chase is the toughest horse race in Europe and the second toughest in the world. The course is 6900 meters long and includes 31 obstacles. Horses complete it in 10 minutes.

The coat of arms of the Czech city of Pardubice, located 90 km from Prague at the confluence of the Elbe and Chrudimka rivers, depicts a magnificent White horse. Having an eventful history and many attractions, the ancient settlement chose a noble animal as its calling card, apparently wanting to emphasize the paramount importance of what is associated with it.

The tradition of steeple chasing in Pardubice is associated with the family of Counts Kinski - hereditary Czech horse breeders. The famous “golden” suits that the family grew have been known since the Middle Ages. The horses of the dynasty were used for riding and for carriages, and were supplied to the army and agriculture.

At the end of March 1874, the telegraph carried sensational sports news: the Great Liverpool Steeplechase, which had gained wide popularity by that time, was won by the unknown Czechoslovak horseman Zdenko Kinsky. But this victory cannot be called accidental. In his homeland, Z. Kinsky was fond of parfors hunting for many years, traditionally held in the vicinity of the small ancient city of Pardubice, and was known as an experienced horseman. His strong stance, instant reaction, sense of speed and appreciation of his partner's capabilities, developed over many years, helped him win.

It is not known what arguments Zdenko Kinski gave to turn the well-known Pardubice parforce hunts into an organized competition in the form of steeplechase. But in August, many horsemen from England, Austria-Hungary, Switzerland, France, Germany and Italy received an invitation from the Czech Equestrian Society to take part in the Great Steeple Chase on November 5, 1874, worth 8 thousand zlotys. Its route was outlined by famous equestrians E. Firstenberg, M. Ugart, and O. Kinsky and included only natural obstacles.

1. Eva Polizova, after finishing in 1965, is the second woman to achieve success in the Grand Prix of the Pardubice Steeplechase. Took second place on the horse Cavalot

2. Soviet riders I. Avdeev on Grifel (left) and R. Makarov on Heder - winners of the Grand Prix in 1960 and 1961

At first, 36 riders responded to the invitation, but 14 riders started the first steeplechase, and only six finished. The first winner of the Grand Steeplechase was the English jockey C. Sayers on the six-year-old thoroughbred stallion Phantom. There were also casualties - the stallion Strizzel died on the track. The race generated a lot of interest and many articles were published with varying opinions. Particular attention was paid to the uniqueness of the route, which reflected the traditions of parfors hunts, widespread in the vicinity of Pardubice, and for which the city was already famous.

The annual holding of this most difficult race has begun. Unusual drama when overcoming various obstacles: hedges with ditches, various water obstacles, earthworks, as well as when passing through numerous deep-plowed sections of the fields, caused exceptional excitement among the spectators and left an unforgettable impression. The day of the Great Steeplechase became a holiday for tens of thousands of horse racing fans. Its popularity exceeded all the expectations of the competition organizers.

Successes of Russian riders and horses:

For three years in a row (1957-1959), the winner in Pardubice was the thoroughbred stallion from the USSR Epigraf (Elbgraf - Gassira) under the saddle of Vladimir Fedin, and then Vladimir Prakhov. Other Soviet horsemen also won here: Grifel with Ivan Avdeev (1960-1961) took first place twice. In 1962, Gaboy and his jockey Rostislav Makarov became the winners. In 1967, the race was won by Dresden and its jockey Alexander Sokolov.

In 1987, Nikolai Khludenev won this steeplechase on Eros for the last time for the USSR. In addition to purebred riding horses, horses of the Budennovsky breed also took part here. So, in 1964, the winner was the stallion of this breed Priboi (Bezh - Paranja) with jockey Valentin Gorelkin.

Budennovsky Erudite wins the race in 1994.

In 1993, Rigoletto from Budyonnovsk, and in 1994, also from Budyonnovsk Erudite under the saddle of the Czechs, also became winners here. Three times in 1981-1983, the winner in Pardubice was the purebred stallion Sagar from the USSR, but under the saddle of a Czech jockey.

Every year the races start on the second Sunday in October in Pardubice. The race track on which the competition takes place today was laid out back in 1956. In the entire history of the competition, they did not take place only in 1876 and 1908. due to bad weather, during both world wars and in 1968 due to the invasion of Czechoslovakia by Warsaw Pact troops. In total, the list of race winners includes 89 horse names and 78 jockey names.

The most successful horse in the history of the Greater Pardubice Steeplechase is the stallion Železnik, who was the only one to win four times. Among the jockeys, the most successful so far has been Josef Vanya, eight-time winner of the Greater Pardubice Steeplechase, who won four times on Železnik.

The Greater Pardubice Steeple Chase is currently approximately 6,900 meters long and has 31 obstacles, some of which have been modified for safety reasons. The most famous obstacle is the Great Taxis, one of the most difficult obstacles in the world; at the Great Pardubice Steeplechase, 27 horses died while overcoming this barrier. Horses cover the entire race course in approximately 9 - 10 minutes. Usually 15 - 20 horses with the best jockeys go to the start. Major races are limited to horses aged seven years or over who have competed successfully in one of the four qualifying races in the current year.

The current 122nd Great Pardubice Steeple Chase will, as an exception, take place on Saturday 13/10/2012 at the Pardubice Racecourse (Map). Participation in the Greater Pardubice Steeplechase is very prestigious and attractive not only for the jockeys themselves, trainers and their horses, but also for visitors to the races, who will be able to admire an unforgettable spectacle. In 2016, the races will take place on October 9th!

Steeplechase, or steeplechase, is one of the most spectacular types of equestrian sports competitions, requiring incredible strength, agility and endurance from the horse. It is characterized by an increased risk of injury, therefore only older horses (at least 5 years old) are allowed to compete in steeplechase. Steeplechase is a timed race, and the course is usually designed in such a way that, in addition to “dead” (indestructible) obstacles, it has small elevation changes and varying ground conditions. The heaviest soil is considered to be “Plowed Field”, which even after a little rain becomes thick and viscous, which requires the horse to perform to the maximum of his capabilities. Horse racing can be held either on a specially equipped track or at a hippodrome, in which case obstacles can be built inside the hippodrome circle.

The distance is from 4 to 8 kilometers, and there are from 12 to 36 obstacles, the height of which can reach 150 cm and a width of 7 meters. To make obstacles, wooden beams, logs, very dense living bushes, an earthen rampart, as well as all kinds of ditches and ditches with and without water are used. For example, the “big taxi” is a hedge 1.5 x 1.5 m high and wide and immediately behind it is a ditch 5 m wide and up to 2 m deep, the “Irish family” is two huge steps along which you have to jump from top to bottom and etc.

The history of steeplechase goes back a little over 200 years. In those days, various equestrian competitions were widespread among Irish farmers. In a huge cheerful crowd, a bunch of riders (on horseback) rushed straight to the cherished finish - to the bell towers, the path to which was indicated by the high spiers crowning them, and therefore clearly visible from afar. By the way, verbatim from in English steeple means nothing more than a steeple, and chase means a chase or pursuit.
They rushed through everything: ditches, streams, rubble, swamps - that was the highlight of the hunt, that it differed from a simple race by overcoming obstacles in length and width.

The largest steeplechase competitions include the Liverpool and Greater Pardubice steeplechases.
The Greater Liverpool National in England is recognized as the most expensive. It took place for the first time on February 26, 1839. In 1991, approximately a quarter of a million dollars were played on it! But the most famous and difficult is the Great Pardubice Steeplechase, which has been taking place for more than 100 years in Czechoslovakia. The scale of its complexity can be judged by the fact that in the first drawing, out of 14 participants, only 6 reached the finish line, and in 1899, only one. Moreover, twice in the history of Pardubice the victory did not go to anyone due to the overdue time.

Nevertheless, the riders of our country managed to win the Great Pardubice Steeplechase nine times, and three times (1957-1959) the horse named Epigraph finished first. In honor of him and Budenovsky Priboi, the 75th winner of the Greater Pardubice Steeplechase, personalized steeplechases are still played at Russian hippodromes.

In Russia, the prototype of modern steeplechase during the times of the cavalry was the competition in Krasnoye Selo. In addition to the steeplechases themselves, horse races over very rough terrain were often organized for cavalrymen and artillerymen, in which they acquired field riding practice. The race distance varied from 5 to 25 versts.
Now this type of equestrian sport is being revived and developed in our country, and perhaps our riders will soon provide worthy competition to athletes from other countries.

Steeplechase is the most crazy race among all equestrian competitions. Its origins are in the spontaneous competitions of Irish farmers. Steeple - bell tower, chase - pursuit, pursuit. From bell tower to bell tower, guided by their high spiers, without roads, jumping over ditches, ditches, rubble, and windbreaks, farmers rushed to the intended finish. They started holding their crazy competitions about 250 years ago. The first “documented” steeplechase took place in 1742. There were two competitors - Cornelius O*Callahan and Edmund Blake. The gentlemen found out whose horse was better.

Alfred Steinaker (1838 - 1914). Steeplechase according to instructions.

Soon, not only the whole of Ireland was rushing headlong over rough terrain, but also prim Great Britain “fell in love” with the new equestrian entertainment. The British, in awe of their own traditions, created a steeplechase committee at the Jockey Club in 1866 and, trying to preserve the crazy atmosphere of ancient Irish competitions, began to arrange “artificial difficulties” for riders at hippodromes. According to the rules of steeplechase, at a distance of 4 to 8 km, there are from 12 to 36 obstacles, up to 150 cm high and up to 7 m wide. Obstacles are “dead”, indestructible, for example, “Big Taxis”: if you miraculously manage to jump over a hedge 1.5X1.5 m, you can fall into a ditch 5 m wide and up to 2 m deep, there is also an “Irish bench” - two huge steps along which you need to jump from top to bottom. The route pleases the participants and various types soil. The most cheerful one is the “plowed field”, which turns into thick jelly when it rains. If you are lucky enough to get out of the quagmire of a “plowed field”, you can brush off the next obstacle from your horse - for example, the “Chair” of the Liverpool Hippodrome, 1.57 m high. Finally, you can simply get “into the rubble” of fallen horses and urgently dismounted riders. Therefore, the number of starters always significantly exceeds the number of those who reached the finish line. At the first Great Pardubice Steeplechase, out of 14 riders, 6 reached the finish line, and in 1899 only one. But this is not the end of bad luck. Victory may not go to anyone if the time limit is expired. Only mounted kamikazes can participate in such competitions.

Riders, riders, jockeys. People are unique in every way. By physical parameters occupy a strictly intermediate position between smooth racing jockeys - male “molecules” (height 159 cm and weight 50 kg) and normal people. Sometimes these are jockeys - “overgrown” from smooth racing. The average height of steeplechase jockeys is 175 - 177 cm, their weight is strictly regulated, and both too much and too little weight is considered a crime. The lack of mass is compensated by lead plates. Among other things, jockeys, like supermodels, must have long legs so that there is something to grab the horse and encourage it to jump over the barrier. Also required Strong arms and well-developed muscles on the back and shoulders - since you have to control the behavior of large and very strong animals. It is preferable for jockeys to grow up in the countryside. And the air is cleaner and closer to the horses. How earlier child begins to engage in equestrian sports, the greater his chances of becoming a good steeplechase jockey. Experts consider the age limit to be 12 years. Later, it is extremely difficult to develop the necessary skills. Therefore, basically, the jockey profession is a hereditary matter. If the father and grandfather are not jockeys, then at least trainers or farm owners.

Horses, horses, horses... There is practically no time left for anything else. Jockeys are absolutely intolerable in their personal lives. Here’s what an ideal jockey’s courtship looks like from the words of one of the jockey’s wives: “Our courtship consisted of me standing leaning against the lintel in the stable, and Dick (the future jockey) taking endless wheelbarrows of manure out of the horse boxes. And on Sundays we sat in harness, and Dick washed and polished the dirty skin." Jockeys cannot be homebodies: they have to travel around cities and towns, countries, and sometimes even continents, constantly moving from one competition to another. And they must truly believe that “nature has no bad weather,” because the weather during the steeplechase season, from August to April, for example, in England is not often pleasant with fine days. Accordingly, the choice is limited: either horse racing in inhospitable conditions, or the cancellation of long-awaited competitions due to heavy snowfall, frost, impossibly soggy ground, dangerous cracks on the racing track left over from the summer drought, and finally, floods of nearby rivers and, of course, the signature English fog . What is happening is to emphasize.

The jockey should, should... What shouldn't he? It's simple - you don't have to be a cautious, rational person. “A coward not only doesn’t play hockey,” but he also can’t ride steeplers. Not everyone can handle living on the brink of death. The whistle of the wind in your ears, the fractional clatter of hooves, and you can’t say “a little slower, horses” - because horses, exactly, must rush as fast as possible, almost like in a smooth race, but at the same time it’s still easy to fly over barriers, like in show jumping And if in show jumping, in splendid isolation, this can be done with complete comfort: calculate the run-up, lead the horse to the obstacle at the right pace, then in steeplechase you don’t have to think about any comfort. Everyone is in a crowd, side by side with others. Even if you manage to take off perfectly, it is not a fact that you will have the opportunity to land successfully. Insurance companies are very reluctant to enter into contracts with steeple jockeys; too often they have to pay an insurance fee. Risk is a constant part of a jockey's job. At the same time, it is necessary to maintain a cool, sober head; you can never foresee how a race will turn out; a steeplechase is always a cruel improvisation that requires taking every second right decisions. The decision was wrong - and the jockey fell at high speed under the feet of madly racing horses. Here we have to rely on another amazing feature of a real jockey - everything “heals on him like on a dog.” Wounds heal, bones grow together, often broken several times. And everyone is jumping again. They gallop for the love of risk, for horses, for their business, they gallop because the unpredictability of the steeplechase gives everyone hope: the favorite, drawn into the fatal funnel of collapse, is out of work, and now the green newcomer is rushing to the finish line. They ride for big fees, prizes and fame. Although everyone gets falls, abrasions, and bruises, prizes and glory are the lot of a select few.

Great jockeys.“A jockey is a professional who specializes in training, dressage, and training horses. He is also a horse race rider. The title of jockey can be obtained after a special exam and fifty wins in competitions.” If in order to become just a jockey you need to have fifty wins, then how many wins, and at the largest competitions, do you need to achieve to become a great jockey...

Peter Scudamore. From 1978 to April 7, 1993, he won 1,678 steeplechase races out of 7,521 in which he competed. A record 221 victories (out of 663 races) per season were won in 1988/89. He became the champion jockey 8 times (once he shared the victory with another athlete) in 1982 and 1986-92.

The record 6 wins in a day were achieved by two amateur jockeys: Edward Potter Wilson at Crewkerne, Somerset, on March 19, 1878, and Charles James Cunningham at Rugby, Yorkshire, on March 29, 1881.

Record 10 wins in a row between John Alnham Gilbert (September 1959) and Philip Charles Tuck (August 23 - September 3, 1986)

Tony McCoy. On November 7, 2013 he won his 4000th victory. He became the champion of England 18 times. This title has not been lost to anyone since 1995. Has victories in almost all status races: Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase, King George VI Chase, Grand National Prize 2010 ).

Champion jockey Tony McCoy.

Of course, a jockey's victory is the result of the efforts of the entire team: owner, trainer, jockey. Moreover, the trainer and jockey must not only prepare the horse accordingly, but also think through a seasonal strategy - choose races at those racetracks that are suitable for this particular horse.

Hippodromes and horses. The hippodrome is a whole special world: stands for spectators, paddock, stables, weighing room, judge's booth at the finish line. But the heart of any racetrack is the racing tracks. In the minds of the amateur, the preferred shape of the racetrack at any hippodrome is an ideal, smooth oval. In the case of a steeplechase, not only is this oval far from smooth - most racecourses have a significant difference in height - but, more often than not, it is not an oval at all: a triangle, complex loops, and sometimes even an open broken line. At large universal hippodromes, a special steeplechase track with permanent obstacles is installed inside the circle.

Great Britain confidently holds the lead in the number of racecourses. Only for competitions according to the competition rules of the National Hunting Committee there are more than 45 of them. Among them are 4 legendary ones. Each with its own characteristics, heroes and history.

Kempton Park. One of the oldest English racecourses. Founded in 1872 by S.H. Hyde. The hippodrome is universal; both smooth and hurdle races are held here.

Accordingly, there cannot be any height difference on the path. What comes to the fore is not endurance and strength, but speed and jumping technique. Professionals consider the Kempton Triangle a difficult route. There are big, tough barriers here. Jockeys often fall. Victory in the main race The King George VI Chase (King George IV Cup) on Boxing Day (Christmas Day, December 27) over a distance of three miles can only be achieved by a very “talented” horse. For four wins you need a brilliant horse like Desert Orchid, who won The King George VI Chase in 1986, 1988, 1989 and 1990. The bronze Desert Orchid greets the public behind the stands at Kempton Park Racecourse. The winner's ashes are placed in a special capsule and buried under this statue.

Sandown is a park. Its course is for endurance jumpers: they benefit from flat but long straight up hills and wide turns. There are 11 obstacles along the course, and at least 22 of them at the 3-mile distance!

All for the entertainment of the respectable public.

For the first time, the “respectable” public appeared here.

In 1870, the brothers Owen and Hoofer Williams, together with Squire Sir Wilford Brett, decided to create a new type of racetrack - a family one. A fence was installed around the park and a fee was charged for entry to the racetrack, and not to the stands, as had always been the case. This “cut off” the possibility of “unreliable” public entering the hippodrome. Horse racing fans could now invite their family members - wives and children - to the races. The first competitions at the new hippodrome took place on April 22, 1875. April races have become traditional here. To this day, the main competition at the hippodrome, the Gold Cup, is held here in the middle of the month. In 1947, it was from this racecourse that the first broadcast of horse racing was carried out by the BBC.

Cheltenham - park. Mecca steeple - cheza. The headquarters of the National Committee is located here. The hippodrome was opened in 1815, competitions have been held since 1818. Everything here is special: the aura, the landscape, the audience. The atmosphere is electric with unspoken intrigue and competition - England versus Ireland: many Irish horses are brought to Cheltenham. Accordingly, a landing party of the Irish public is moving here. Moreover, the main races of the season at this hippodrome take place on the eve of St. Patrick's Day, which is highly revered in Ireland. Everyone cheers in good faith, there is even a concept of “Cheltenham roar”. This is how fans express their preferences, echoing the picturesque surroundings with their cries. The English composition of the audience is no less impressive.

The Queen prefers smooth racing, but Cheltenham is a special place...

“You need to see this whole landscape, its trembling air, hear the noise of the stands, inhale the smell of the earth, arousing inexplicable excitement... On the hills of Cheltenham the light changes so endlessly - from brightly sparkling to gently foggy, that artists have been trying to capture it for a hundred years ..." The race track winds its way through these picturesque hills, reaching the peaks twice. The jockey here must be a strategist. Strive for victory or choose the “sit-and-suffer” tactic. It all depends on the horse. The route is difficult for horses who like to go first. But there are exceptions. The absolute Cheltenham record holder is Golden Miller, which brought its owner the Gold Cup five times.

Another Cheltenham hero is the legendary Arkle. He has three victories to his name. An amazing horse, he was called "an idol standing firmly on a pedestal." He never fell in his entire career. Of the 70 races in which he took part, 35 finished first, and the competitions were the most prestigious.

Among the legendary Cheltenham winners is "the lady". In 1986, the famous Down Run brought the Gold Cup to its owner. By the way, the Gold Cup is made every year and remains with the owner of the winning horse. The fight for the Gold Cup has been going on since 1924. Moreover, the first races, known as the Cheltenham Gold Cup, were smooth. Horses without. Now this is a competition within the framework of the March festival "National Hunting Season". Five times the races were canceled for good reasons: 1931 - frost, 1937 - flood, 1943, 1944 - war, 2001 - foot and mouth disease.

Aintree. The first horse racing here was organized by William Lynn in 1829. This is the same hippodrome where those legendary obstacles are prepared for riders: “Chair”, “Big Taxi” and so on, and so on, and so on... There are 30 of them in total. The Grand National distance of 7250 m is the most difficult (even the legendary Tony McCoy completed it in 15! times). The competition is the most prestigious, victory is the most desired.

"Every steeplechase jockey has two ambitions. The first is to lead more horses to victory in a season than any other rider and become champion of the year. And the second is to win the Grand National Steeplechase at Liverpool Aintree Racecourse." Every year on the first Saturday in April, a maximum of 40 horses line up at the starting line, 40 riders pulling on the reins, ready to race towards their dreams. Although for many jockeys the most cherished dream is to get to these races, and completing the entire distance is a great personal victory. Because racing at Aintree is a kind of initiation. “Participating in the Liverpool Steeplechase for the first time is like crossing the equator: you look forward to the performance with trepidation, it’s a major milestone in your life that expands your horizons.” And let, instead of the traditional ablution in the ocean, there may be a swim in dirty water barrier moat, many jockeys love this track. It is “spacious”, free, there is no need to crowd here. And at the far end of the distance there is a “lonely and deserted place: there is no one around, only the wind, the earth flying up from under the hooves and long barriers. Here everything is perceived simply: faith in a good horse, a wave of joy when you soar over a birch fence, a safe landing - entire life." The feelings of the jockeys are understandable, but what is surprising is that the horses starting here (and this still needs to be earned) love the Aintree racetracks. How else can we explain the fact that it is often at Aintree that a horse that has lost its jockey does not leave the race, but continues the competition alone. In 1948, Bulington, having fallen and lost his rider at the first obstacle, jumped up and walked the entire distance. And I finished first - I tried really hard. Main character Grand National - Red Rum.

He has 3 victories in the main race (1973, 1974 and 1977) and two second places.

Ladies Day at Aintree Races.
Of course, prestigious competitions are held not only in England. The steeplechase in Auteuil (France), the Maryland Steeplechase (USA), the Colonial Cup in Camden (USA) and the Pardubice Steeplechase in the Czech Republic are very popular.

Riders overcome an obstacle at the 118th Velka Pardubika steeplechase in the Czech Republic on October 12, 2008. (REUTERS/Petr Josek)

The route here was created back in 1856, and the first official competitions took place only in 1874.

Pardubice Racecourse is a kind of reincarnation of Aintree Racecourse on the continent. A former participant in the Liverpool competition, Count Zdenko Kinski, decided that it would be useful to have such a “toy” at home. The tracks are like twin brothers. Both here and there you need to go through two circles, overcoming a total of 30 obstacles. Both here and there are high and difficult obstacles. In Pardubice these are the “Irish Shop”, “Popkovitsky Ditch”, “French Jump”, “Snake Ditch”, “Big Taxis”, “Great English Jump” and “Gavlov’s Leap”. Pardubice also has its own peculiarity: a quarter of the route runs along a freshly plowed field, and if you consider that the main competitions are held on the second Saturday of October, it is clear that the rainy autumn weather gives a special charm to what is happening.

But for every jump or leap - English, Howl or French - there is always a brave horse and a desperate jockey. The first winner of the Grand Steeplechase was the Englishman Sayers on a Phantom. The legend of the main Czech hippodrome J. Vanya is a five-time winner of the main competition, and four times he was “brought” to victory by the famous Zeleznik. V. Haloupka finished first 4 times, and the incomparable Korok was under his saddle three times. In 1937, the terrible Pardubice track was conquered by a female duo. Lata Brandisova won the competition riding the half-breed Norma. In addition to Norma, 14 more mares finished first in their time. And Lady Anna is recognized as one of the best horses in the history of this race. She has three victories and three prizes.

Our riders and horses also actively “checked out” in Pardubice. For three years in a row (1957-1959), the winner here was the purebred stallion from the USSR Epigraph (under the saddle of Vladimir Fedin, and then Vladimir Prakhov). Twice in first place was Grifel, led by Ivan Avdeev (1960-1961). In 1962, Gaboy (jockey Rostislav Makarov) became the winner. In 1967, Dresden came first (jockey Alexander Sokolov). In 1987, Nikolai Khludenev won this steeplechase on Eros for the last time for the USSR. In addition to purebred horses, horses of the Budennovsky breed also took part here. In 1964, the winner was the stallion of this breed Priboy (jockey V. Gorelkin). In 1993, Rigoletto from Budyonnovsk, and in 1994 also from Budyonnovsk Erudite.

In Russia, the prototype of modern steeplechase was the competition in Krasnoye Selo. In addition to the steeplechases themselves, horse races over very rough terrain were often organized for cavalrymen and artillerymen, in which they acquired field riding practice. The race distance varied from 5 to 25 versts.

The largest Russian competitions are now the Epigraph Prize for four-year-old and older thoroughbred horses over a distance of 4000 m and the Great All-Russian Steeplechase for horses of the same breed six years and older over a distance of 6000 m. Both steeplechases are held at the Pyatigorsk Hippodrome. But despite certain successes in this type of racing, steeplechases have never enjoyed too much popularity in Russia. And it is not known whether Russians should be blamed for such a cool attitude towards this gambling sport. Of course, a steeplechase is an exciting spectacle, but very dangerous and traumatic. Often disastrous, not so much even for jockeys as for horses.

Animal advocates have long and actively protested against horse racing and especially steeplechase racing. Sometimes the protest takes radical forms: opponents of horse racing take to the racetracks of hippodromes, trying to disrupt the competition. Under their pressure, changes are being made to the competition regulations, albeit slowly. For example, wooden barriers are being replaced by safer plastic ones.

But advocates are concerned not only with intimidating obstacles, but also with the physical stress experienced by racehorses during competitions, as well as methods of physical influence on the animal: a whip, a mouthpiece. The voices of animal rights activists demanding a ban on horse racing are also joined by opponents of the hobby of horse racing. In 1829, in Cheltenham, led by the Reverend Francis Close, fighters with the devilish passion of the game at the races threw stones and empty bottles at the participants. After the opening of Aintree Racecourse, the residents of Liverpool also timidly hoped that its life would be short-lived. But these hopes turned out to be in vain. Horse racing, having become a real industry, continues to exist. On the days of racing festivals, thousands of smartly dressed people flock to the hippodromes, millions of people watch TV screens. They are all obsessed with completely contradictory feelings. There is also the excitement of getting “free” money.

And the fear of losing...

And the primitive thirst for a bewitching, nerve-wracking spectacle, contempt for gladiator jockeys forced to risk their lives for the public, and envy for these people who are able to put their lives and health on the line almost every day. A desperate desire to live this incredibly cruel and exciting life for at least a second, shaking off the routine of everyday life, to bet, if not life, then at least money.

Hence the un-English passion and this whole masquerade: too extravagant outfits (in contrast to the elegance of Ascot),

spilled sea of ​​beer and other strong drinks

and an almost carnival hangover.

The situation requires drastic decisions in everything - both in clothes and in drinking: so to speak, it’s hit or miss. The collective soul of any hippodrome, freed, in a way, from all moral “strings” and brakes, takes off with the horses over every obstacle in the hope of triumph and with the expectation of failure. This state of flight is what keeps the horse racing afloat. Even the super-interesting car racing that historically replaced them, by the way, which appropriated equestrian terminology: paddock, stable, did not replace them. Of course, there is a lot of money in horse racing, with the Liverpool National Grand Prix alone bringing in bets of around £100 million (approximately $184 million) annually. Accordingly, business bigwigs are doing everything to stir up interest in competitions: hippodromes are being improved, attracting spectators with their new “bells and whistles”, competitions are taking on new forms, for example, evening starts are held under artificial lighting, bets can be placed without leaving home, by phone or via the Internet. But these are all pleasant applications, and the core of interest is an explosive mixture of passion, self-interest, courage, love, risk, admiration and a subconscious desire to return to those distant simple and clear times when man and horse were practically one, when “Half a kingdom for a horse!” " didn't seem like too much of a price to pay.

Steeplechase fans have their own thoughts about cruelty to horses. If it were not for racing, perhaps horses would not have been subjected to such harsh treatment, but it is unlikely that there were so many horses in the world - competitions maintain interest in horses and, therefore, develop horse breeding. Only “adult”, “seasoned” horses participate in steeplechase. Horses of 4 years old are allowed to compete at a distance of 1600 to 3200 m; older horses are allowed to compete at a distance of 4500–7000 m. As a rule, horses that have not shown outstanding abilities at 2 and 3 years old in smooth racing ( without obstacles). If a horse shows a stubborn reluctance to jump over barriers, it is unlikely that they will force him to do this for a long time - it is too expensive a pleasure. Most jockeys love their charges. “I... thought a lot and realized: if I didn’t enjoy working with a horse, even without winning, then I couldn’t become a jockey. Nobody could. It’s a hard life in many ways, but the pleasure of participating in racing outweighs all the bruises and troubles. And every jockey thinks so, because if he didn’t think so, he would change his occupation. No one can be a steeplechase jockey if his heart is not attached to this work." Of course there are exceptions. And among jockeys there are cruel and unprincipled people. But I would like to believe that they are a minority. The most important justice of steeplechase is that the risk is mutual, the rider and horse are together, in pairs, in one bond. All you have to do is forget everything and rely on luck. True, she can turn away here at the most crucial moment.

Great loser. Dick Francis. Now his name is known to millions of detective fans. In the middle of the last century, it thundered in the world of horse racing. Despite the fact that his jockey career was “slowed down” by the war, Francis managed to achieve brilliant success. He has won almost 350 races. He became the champion jockey of Great Britain more than once, he conquered almost all the most prestigious peaks of steeplechase, the matter remained small, or rather, the Grand National Prize. It was not enough in the collection for complete jockey happiness. In 1956, circumstances were more than successful. Francis is a jockey at the Royal Stables. In Liverpool he had to ride a horse that belonged to the most eminent owner in England: the Queen Mother, a great fan of steeplechase.

Her mount, Devon Loch, was the favorite of the season. The start at Aintree, an ideal racecourse for him, was to be his finest hour. All other competitions were rehearsals for the main event. On March 24, they went to the start, confident in each other, with the hope of success, that everything would work out. They succeeded in everything, except for one thing - they could not win the race. “The start went well, there were fewer participants than usual, twenty-nine, four horses retired after the first hurdle...

He flew cleanly and with reserve over the very difficult barriers of Aintree...

We beat Bechers, and Canal Turn, and Valentine...

It was a race that one can only dream of... He cleanly defeated the "Chayer" and the moat with water...Twenty yards before the last hurdle I knew he was in the right place to jump, and he took off with such style as if it were not the last of thirty hurdles, but the first.

It was the best moment of my life... There were less than fifty yards left to a flat green strip of grass, a little more than ten steps - and we were the winners..."

The racetrack went wild. Best jockey on best horse the royal stables flew to a well-deserved victory.

"Trouble struck unexpectedly, like an obsession...

Devon Loch kicked out his legs for another soaring step, a poem of harmonious movement! And suddenly - his hind legs became stiff and seemed to be paralyzed, he fell on his stomach, his limbs stuck out unnaturally and awkwardly to the sides. When he got up, he could barely stand. Even after that, if he had managed to complete the race, he still had a chance, we were so far ahead of the others from the very start, but the rhythm was lost, the dream was broken, the race was lost."

The public was silent, stunned by the blinding defeat. History was being made before our eyes. Losing became a legend. The horse's name turned into a symbol of lost happiness - "to play Devon Loch" - to miss the right chance.

“Something like this,” Francis will probably try to explain. The Queen Mother will smile stoically.

But this is horse racing. And along with the check he will send the non-smoking Francis a silver cigarette case. For memory.

No one can figure out the reason for what happened. To quell the rising wave of controversy, speculation, hypotheses, sympathy, and indignation, in 1957 Francis wrote his first book, an autobiographical one. And then he will release another 40 magnificent detective novels, one way or another connected with the world of horse racing. And again he will become a champion, having received the highest literary awards: the Edgar Poe Prize, the honorary title of “Grand Master”, the “full bow” of the “Dagger” awards - Diamond, Gold and Silver. But that will be another story.

Queen of Sports - Athletics, is widely represented by running disciplines, one of which received a clean English name"steeplechase". You can easily guess that England was also the place of birth.

What is a steeplechase?

Story

In 1850, a student from Oxford, who participated in horse racing with obstacles, proposed cutting the distance in half (from 4 to 2 miles) and running it on “his own two feet.” The idea took root and in 1879 national championships began to be held in Great Britain (since 1936 in Russia).

Nowadays

Modern steeplechase is a 3000 m steeplechase (a “shortened version” is allowed - 2000 m for the level of youth and local competitions). According to classification – average distance. Due to its specificity, it is carried out only in the summer season on open stadiums. Since 1920 it has been part of Olympic program(for women since 2008). It is considered, along with the 800 m and 1500 m races, the most spectacular event.

Features of the rules

The need to overcome specific artificial obstacles during the race made adjustments to the rules for organizing competitions. The most treacherous test - a jump over a hole with water (366x366 cm, depth from 76 cm goes to 0 at the end of the hole) is placed in a separate area on a bend. The hurdles (height 0.914 m for men and 0.762 m for women) weighing from 80 to 100 kg are rigidly fixed (unlike sprinting), which makes it possible to attack them with support (the “jumping” method).

A width of at least 3.96m "closes" the 3 inner radius tracks to minimize the risk of collisions, although minor contacts are permitted by the rules. A total of 5 equidistant obstacles are installed in a circle, with the 4th one in front of the water pit.

It is allowed to step into the water, but always above the conditional horizontal projection of the top of the barriers, otherwise the participant faces disqualification. The total number of barrier obstacles is 28, water holes are 7 (at 3000 m, at 2000 m - 18 and 5, respectively).

The starting point in the steeplechase is different from the starting point in the 3000m race because... runs onto a track where there is a pit with water are taken into account (the start is on the side opposite the finish). Starting positions determined by drawing lots or taking into account the place that the athlete took in the previous stages of the competition.

Unlike sprint starts from the blocks from a low stance, steeplechase starts from a high stance and quickly takes a position at the inner radius. The finish is fixed standardly, according to the position of the body. False starts are rare, especially after the strict innovations of the IAAF (International Athletics Federation).

Features of the technology

The specificity of this type of running introduces additional requirements into the process of mastering technical skills. To the generally accepted training system for middle-distance runners, work on the “hurdler” technique is added, and even significantly different from the hurdle sprint.

When choosing the method of “attacking the barrier” (swinging or stepping on the barrier), the anthropometric data and coordination capabilities of the athlete are taken into account, allowing for the maximum rationalization of the movement structure and, thereby, saving losses on obstacles. Efficient technique can "remove" more than 10 sec.

There are nuances in the methods of “fighting a water barrier.” Here you need to attach special efforts to push off from the bar and land as far as possible without falling into deep water Part. The best option is to increase speed 10-15m before the obstacle.

The foundations of smooth running in steeplechase are laid by generally accepted methods for stayers. A distinctive feature is additional work on elements associated with the “ragged” rhythm of running of a non-tactical nature - selection of the starting leg, take-off, flight phase.

Tactical and general physical training are practically no different from the tasks facing middle-distance runners.

Speed ​​endurance plays a key role in physical readiness. IN training process at the preparatory stage, this quality is cultivated through exercise in aerobic conditions (about 80% of the time).

The choice and implementation of tactical plans depends on a number of conditions, for example:

• skill level of the athlete and opponents;
• the scale of the competition;
• the assigned task (achieving the maximum result in time, winning the race, advancing to the next stage, testing functional readiness, practicing new tactics);
• type of track surface;
• climatic zone (altitude above sea level).

Records and record holders

The world record for men belongs to Said Saeed Shaheen(Qatar) – 7:53.63 min. and was installed on September 3, 2004 in Brussels (Belgium).

For women, the world record holder is Ruth Jebet from Bahrain– 8:52.78 (08/27/2016, Saint-Denis, France).

Olympic records: men - Conseslus Kipruto (Kenya) 8:03.28, 08/17/2016, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Women - Gulnara Galkina-Samitova (Russia) 8:58.81, 08/17/2008, Beijing, China.