Billionaire Vítek is preparing further investments in the racetrack in Chuchle

Prague - The family of billionaire Radovan Vítek wants to transform the horse racing track in Prague's Velká Chuchle into a modern facility of European standard that will offer visitors activities 365 days a year. So far, they have invested millions of crowns into the facility. They are currently expanding the amenities and services not only for spectators but also for horse owners and riders. The new owners also plan to bring additional equestrian disciplines, such as show jumping and dressage, to Velká Chuchle. The attendance at the facility is 15 percent higher this year compared to last year. The company announced this today in a press release to ČTK.

"This year, for example, we completely renovated the restaurant and the small betting hall, built a circular sand riding arena, and constructed washing boxes for horses. Overall, we are improving the facilities and attractions for families with children and the conditions for race participants and stable renters," said the director of the facility, Martin Pecka.

The attendance at the horse racing track has increased by 15 percent in the first six racing days of this season compared to last year. The highest number of visitors - 2,725 - passed through the gates of the racecourse on April 15 this year.

This year, Velká Chuchle will host 18 racing days, which is two more than last year. The summer season will traditionally culminate at the Czech Derby on Sunday, June 24. This is a race for three-year-old horses that has the highest prize money announced among classic flat races in Central Europe, totaling 2.5 million crowns. This year marks the 98th edition of the race.

At the end of last year, the family of entrepreneur Radovan Vítek became the majority owners of the racecourse. They acquired a 93.6 percent share in the company Turf Holding, which organizes races through other companies and owns the buildings and part of the land of the racecourse. At the end of last year, Vítek's company CPI announced plans to invest hundreds of millions into the racecourse, including the modernization of the existing flat racing track.