Taxis Ditch, Horse racing obstacle at Pardubice Racecourse, Czech Republic

The Taxis Ditch is a horse jumping obstacle at Pardubice Racecourse featuring a tall hedge followed by a wide ditch that riders must clear in a single leap. These two connected elements form one of the most demanding combinations on the steeplechase course.

The ditch was part of the course from the first Velká pardubická in 1874, when it was called the Main Ditch. After the first year, younger riders led by Prince Emil Fürstenberg demanded its abolition, but opponents kept it; in 1892 it was officially named after Prince Egon Thurn-Taxis.

The jump is named after Prince Egon Thurn-Taxis, who reportedly argued against abolishing it after the first race in 1874. The quote attributed to him is probably invented, as he had not worked in Pardubice since 1871. The name was officially used from 1892.

The ditch is jumped only once a year, in the Velká pardubická, so outside race day the obstacle stands unused and training jumps over it are not permitted. Jockeys differ on the line: Josef Váňa advises jumping it on the right, while Eva Palyzová chose the left side. The approach and sufficient speed decide the attempt.

Taxis is the only obstacle on the Pardubice racecourse jumped just once a year, in a single race. Training jumps over it are barred: after 1946 a sign forbade them, and the only exceptions were a bet before World War I and a failed 1985 attempt by rider Kržová on the gelding Santos.