Wonder where they go next??? A win in the Champion Bumper and then a career as an NH stallion?!? Sounds an absurd idea, in a way, but as I said a few days ago eyecatching that this one remains a colt. On the subject on Bumper horses and debuts the forum's favourite trainer, incidentally, has got Knotted Midge's latest offspring entered in a national hunt flat race next Friday (Warwick). Bridal Knot, what a lovely name for a filly by the way, is her moniker. The Lieutenant has trained 2 previous Knotted Midge offspring and won Grade 1 heats with both of them (Might Bite and Beat That). This old girl, by Walk in The Park, certainly has a lot to live up to! Although in saying that it needs to be noted that neither Might Bite or Beat That actually won on their respective bumper bows.
Agree, an astonishing sight. I think Fitzgerald was right and that the jockey was at fault. Trying to pop him over that fence after jumping round like a gazelle must have confused the poor animal. Hopefully Shan Blue is alright and will also realise the jockey was the problem.
Hopefully we will see at Newbury in a few weeks - as he fell at the 3rd last the handicapper can’t reassess him so he would get in the Ladbrokes Trophy off 148
Going to sound like a typically grumpy Nass post but here goes! I wasn't that impressed by the way Shan Blue went away from the field. He passed a horse who clearly had a big breathing issue (head to one side) and the horses in behind hadn't travelled particularly strongly (Clondaw was last off the bridle!). I thought Fusil Raffles was ridden like a non stayer, and won because of the weakness of opposition apart from Shan Blue. Kitty's Light beaten in a handicap last time looked like a dour stayer for the Welsh National or similar, and stayed on after being outpaced down the back (well before SB kicked on). The rest were mediocre. Now, Shan Blue would have won and probably by a big distance, but it was a horrible fall and he got right into the bottom of the fence. I am not sure what he would have run up to, or how strongly he would have seen it out. I wouldn't be sure he would stay a trip like the Hennessy and I would expect to see him in the mid distance races.
Could be Nass - certainly one might think that based on his Aintree run behind Chantry House, but I prefer to think that was just the effects of a long, hard season. He got the stiff 3 miles at Wetherby really well as a novice when trouncing Snow Leopardess and he rates a serious prospect for the Ladbrokes Trophy IF he is over the fall.
Right now, Shan Blue 'blue' across almost the entire board on Oddschecker for the Ladbrokes Trophy or, should you prefer, the race that used to be The Hennessy. Was as big as 20/1 on Saturday morn.
