Sunday 1st December 2013 - Imperial Commander

Imperial Commander - A Tribute

Inspired by the heart-warming display the 2010 Gold Cup winner provided spectators with on Saturday at the scenic Newbury Racecourse, Maddy Playle dedicates this post to the imperious career of resilient steeplechaser Imperial Commander. Often considered the bridesmaid to the illustrious Paul Nicholls trained duo of Kauto Star and Denman, arguably this old-fashioned chaser seldom gained the recognition his brave performances were worthy of…

Victor of 8 of his 21 starts under rules, after a win in a Summerhill point to point (by 8 lengths) in the July of 2005, he was purchased by the ‘Our Friends In The North’ syndicate. They were unaware of the pure elation this bay gelding would supply them and many others with up and down the UK in the following years. Imperial Commander opened his account under rules at none other than Prestbury Park- this alliance proved crucial 4 years in advance, but on this occasion he sauntered home 8 lengths in front of subsequent classy Whateley recruit Snap Tie. Exciting times were ahead, yet his next win was 2 years on in a 2m4f hurdle at Newcastle, albeit by a scintillating 19 lengths. In the same year, 2 runs later he returned to the location of his bumper victory and the place he would make his own in the forthcoming seasons (over 50% of Imperial Commanders runs were at the prestigious Cheltenham racecourse) and again won in style by 16 lengths. 27 days later he repeated the success, this time by 11 lengths. The next run wasn’t up to the mark, nor as stylish as his previous attempts, finishing last of 4 behind Joe Lively, a gorgeous horse whom sadly passed away prematurely in the January of 2011, aged 12 (RIP). By notching up a series of wins following this, the Commander rose to top class level and famously commanded a battle with none other than Kauto Star in a thrilling renewal of the Betfair Chase. He was among only a select few that had the ability to challenge the miraculous talent of Kauto Star, only to fail by a nose. This war of attrition established Imperial Commander’s rightful place as one of the best around, yet due to the publics’ obsessive affection with the likes of Kauto Star and Denman, he remained the underdog and relatively unconsidered. Two runs later this gorgeous steeplechaser emerged up the hill through typical torrential rain and silenced the doubters in the merciless running of the Gold Cup, which was beforehand dubbed ‘The two horse race’. Words cannot describe the emotions felt in such a short amount of time: Racegoers held their breath as Kauto Star crashed out and slid gut-wrenchingly along the sodden Cheltenham turf, bravery and admiration was personified as Denman listed the second of his three Gold Cup seconds. However above all else, the racecourse atmosphere was something to savour, it was electric as connections celebrated the best day of Imperial Commanders career.

It’s safe to say after that memorable day in March things were never the same, other than a simply brilliant performance when winning the Betfair Chase, showing the remainder of contestants a clean pair of heels and jumping with fluidity and boldness in abundance. Sadly that was to be the last time Imperial Commander came home in front. Personally, one of my treasured recollections of this horse was his fairly recent return from injury in the Argento Chase. As my eyes welled up, spurred by an overwhelming sense of sentiment and joy, I was only to be disappointed as the Malcolm Jefferson trained Cape Tribulation passed the old king strides before the line. Luckless next time under a mammoth weight in the Grand National, Saturday's Hennessey Gold Cup was to be his swansong. Although he was pulled up 4 out, he revelled earlier in the race when adopting his familiar front-running position and was evidently enjoying every second, which is nothing short of what his fans wanted to see. Imperial Commander wasn’t a world-beater, and regular race goers were under no illusions, he was no Kauto Star or Denman, but he offered something they failed to, the ability to overcome the victim status. Thus, propelling him to National Hunt stardom and giving him a guaranteed permanent place in history. Rejoice in your retired role, Imperial Commander, we bid you farewell and offer our thanks for the good days.

 

 

 

Picture courtesy of Michael Harris- Imperial Commander bids goodbye to the racing world with long time groom Richard 'Sparky' Bevis.