Heatwave prompts earlier start for Pardubice races

The organisers of Saturday's horse racing meeting in Pardubice have brought the start forward to nine o'clock because of the extreme heat expected across the Czech Republic. Meteorologists say temperatures will climb well above 30 degrees Celsius this week, with highs approaching 40 later in the week. The schedule was changed to provide safer conditions for both horses and spectators. The day's highlight, the third qualifying race for the 136th Velká pardubická steeplechase, will now start just before eleven in the morning.