Yep just re-watched, Nico was pretty motionless at the 2nd last (a bit hidden behind Lossiemouth but definitely didn't make up the horse's mind for him)
not only that, he switched him out and then let him go in behind at the hurdle. I don’t mind Nico, but it was a ride of someone scared of making a mistake.
He allows him to be 3/4 of a length down then lets him guess the second last, consequently he takes off when the mare does and is long. It’s awful jockeyship. He wouldn’t get a single ride in Ireland.
Saying it for years about NDB. He's just not good enough to be riding the quality horses Nicky Henderson has at his disposal.
Great story to the Foxhunters. The winning jockey was Huw Edwards who's the grandson of a really good jockey from the '60s/'70s, Roy Edwards. The trainer of today's winner O'Shea reminded the TV of Roy, riding 12 times in the National. Rode some good races in the GN especially on Peacetown who was 3rd to Team Spirit in the '64. He rode mostly for the stable of George Owen, who trained at Tarporley. Owen won the Grand National in 1949 with Russian Hero who surprisingly wasn't ridden by then stable jockey Dick Francis. Edwards and Owen had the 1973 GN joint favourite Two Springs, who was a really good chaser. Roy's biggest day was winning the 1967 Champion Hurdle on Saucy Kit for Peter Easterby. A nice touch today for Roy's grandson.
Old spaghetti arms is absolutely shocking, put CH behind 3 horses allowing lossie to get first run and panicked, old Nicky the needle must have skeletons in his closet to keep him
Definitely bungled it. His raceriding was blatantly exposed on the bend. On apparently the best horse in the race he allowed himself to be bustled back from 3rd to last coming into the straight. As regards jumping Nico should go back to black and white TV to watch the riding of a horse called Baulking Green in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham. He was always a 1/4 to 1/2 length ahead of his nearest pursuer. He always jumped imperiously while the pursuers made mistake after mistake because they took off at the same time as him. The key was that BK always set the jumping rhythm and the others jumped to his tune. If you're on the best horse ride him as if he's the best horse. Probably the most famous Hunter Chaser ever.
Both ran ok, but only a 3rd place for Cryptos Dream. A shade disappointing after he was in prime position throughout. Winner improved a bundle.
