Is there any reason why a good flat stayer shouldn't run in bumpers. I know they are under NH Rules, intended as an introduction for horses being aimed at a hurdling/chasing career, and there is a limit on how many times a horse can run in a bumper, but I just wondered if a classy flat race stayer could clean up a couple of bumper races en route to the Champion Bumper. That's worth 45 grand which might be useful if they aren't quite good enough to win a flat stayers G1
Nope. Have never shown any interest in bumpers. That is until I noticed how slow they were compared to hurdlers. Now I know why I shall continue to show no interest, within the context of betting. Seems most of them are in training mode. Presumably they are not bound by the same rules as hurdlers and chasers as regards achieving the best possible finishing position. If I were looking to buy a future hurdler/chaser I would become interested to watch them in the flesh (ie for potential); or to show one off in a bumper to make a tidy profit on a sale
Finishing position bears no relation to how fast a race has been run. The same rules apply regarding trying to obtain the best placing possible. I was at Ascot one day and Timmy Murphy jumped his ride off in the lead and very soon had built up a huge advantage that he maintained to the finish. It was a fine piece of race riding from a jockey who understood how everyone else would be approaching that race. Took some balls but paid off.
