Champion Hurdle Day Review
Cheltenham. It’s the Promised Land, the home of jumps
racing. Once a year every year the sport obsesses over the pinnacle of all its
spectacles, spectators gather in their thousands anticipating what is referred
to as “The greatest show on turf”. The sport of kings blesses us with a top
class festival that spans over 4 days. After attending the course for the first
time on Trials day in January, I was luckily able to take the Tuesday off
school and immerse myself in the jubilant fray that consumes Prestbury Park for
the 2014 festival. Here is my reaction to my first Cheltenham.
Excitement grew and lingered in the air before the start of
the Supreme Novices, and scanning my eyes in the paddock one horse really
caught my eye- Sgt Reckless. He looked phenomenal and ran a gallant race,
behind and under pressure before flying up the hill to grab 4th
place. Nicky Henderson’s Vaniteux also looked promising and confirmed that with
an encouraging run, filling the spot ahead of the aforementioned Sgt Reckless.
Vautour was hugely impressive however, who forged away under Walsh to record a
6 length win.
Punters turned to Ricci, Walsh and Mullins once more and
their emphatic two time course specialist Champagne Fever, to double up in the
Arkle 35 minutes later. It was not to be and he was denied by the narrowest of
margins by 33-1 ‘nutcase’ Western Warhorse. Rock On Ruby lacked fluidity when
contesting the championship race over the larger obstacles and finished a
disappointing last after almost unshipping Fehily on several occasions. Quotes
of around 16-1 have been given regarding the 2nd placed grey to win
the 2015 Gold Cup. The application of headgear may well have ignited Western
Warhorse’s enthusiasm and many are lead to believe he will be unable to
reciprocate that performance elsewhere.
Holywell took the 3rd race under Richie McLernnon
for Jonjo O’Neil, he proved himself another to take a shine to the course as he
followed up his Pertemps Final win from 12 months ago. Again a grey horse
finished 2nd, this time in the shape of Ma Filleule, who battled on
with 7 pounds in hand yet didn’t have the class to pass the post first. She was
unable to respond to Holywell’s stamina and tough attitude. The Package ran 3rd.
This was my first experience of tipping a Cheltenham winner and it’s safe to
say witnessing the blinkered head triumph up the merciless run in was one of
the highlights of the day for me.
The Stan James Champion Hurdle is the showpiece of the first
day- beforehand it was dubbed one of the best renewals in a long time.
Hurricane Fly, The New One, Our Conor and My Tent Or Yours paraded beforehand,
all primed for a shot at the most prestigious hurdle race in the racing
calendar. A chilly Cheltenham afternoon awaited its champion; flecks of
sunlight began to peek through the clouds upon the parade. Unfortunately Hurricane
Fly failed to deliver up the hill and it was left for My Tent Or Yours and the
first time hooded Jezki to battle it out. The pre-buzz of the race mellowed as
Barry Geraghty returned to the winner’s enclosure. Attention turned out into
the country, where news on Our Conor circulated. It seemed to take years before
the verdict was given and it was confirmed the mighty horse had passed after
vets had attempted to save his life. As poetic and cliché as it sounds, the
clouds closed over the course and in a place in which jubilation is second
nature, the racing public were evidently devastated by the news. My first
experience had again taught me the fluctuating nature of horse racing- I was
soon to discover its heart-warming charm, but nothing could cure such a loss.
4:00 dawned and history was made. Queen Quevega graced the
turf she had made her own for the past 5 years. It looked an unlikely task a
hurdle out, as it did a year ago, but the mare dug in and battled past
stalemate Glens Melody to confirm the record. The crowd erupted into cheer as
she reached to within a neck of the leading mare, the noise increasing, lifting
her across the line. The memories of straining my voice hoarse and watching in
disbelief as she refused to be denied will be forever engraved in my memory. It
was a stunning performance from a stupendously good mare. Midnight Prayer and
Present View won the last two races respectively and Shotgun Paddy posted an eye-catching
run in the 4 miler after making some pretty bad blunders.
A lot has happened since Tuesday, rather highlighting the unpredictability
of the sport. Cheltenham may be a fabulous event but it is safe to say in a way
it’s a relief the drama is over. Best wishes go to Daryl Jacob, Ruby Walsh, and
above all else the connections of Our Conor, Stack The Deck, Akdam and Raya
Star of whom we lost this week. Also we’ve said goodbye to one of the heroes of
recent years, the prolific Big Buck’s, his retirement was announced after his
World Hurdle run and his achievements praised. Racing is vibrant, emotional,
heartbreaking and magical all at once. I think although some of the incidents
this week have provoked great sadness, it’s important we embrace the talent and
remember what miraculous sights we’ve seen grace the Cheltenham turf. Thank you
Quevega for the hope of a fairytale when spirits were diminished.
Feel free to follow me on twitter at @mp_horseracing to see
my photographs of the day.
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