while I believe in stiff fences, to have a third to half the field wiped out at one fence so early , kills the race for me. We can all create tough fences, but we must balance it with other things.
it doesn't kill the race - look at race from 1991, about 6 horses fell at Taxis but it ended in a terrific finish when Železník won after fall Popler jump. However it's responsibility of owners and coaches to determine whether their horse has the quality to ride Great Pardubice. It's so special for Taxis, the obstacle itself is good, it's 4th in race when horses are still fresh
for me the pendulum has swung too far the other way with 17 of 22 finishing, which isnt what the race was conceived as. I understand, others will think its still great.
