I must admit I'm no expert with the camera but here a couple of shots of Big Bucks strutting around the parade ring prior to his record-breaking victory last Thursday: Beautiful horse and a true legend.
If he wasn't a legend he would be an ugly bugger. To put it kindly, he is 'unique' looking. He certainly wouldn't be you beau ideal racehorse, that's for sure.
Nice pics for your album Oddy. Something to remember eh. Can't agree with that Zen. Saw him walking round the paddock on TV and he looked magnificent. Haven't seen him in the flesh or seen his head but his overall picture side on looked impressive.
I always thought that a black horse made them more menacing and that certainly fits the bill with Big Bucks... No other horse wnts to get near him...!!! Nice shots Oddy... Hope it was a great day for you...
He might have looked magnificent Ron, but I remember the first time I saw him in the flesh and I couldn't believe what he actually looked like. He's not at all what I expected. He's adequate looking but he's no stunner that's for sure. Poungach would have him for breakfast if it was all about looks.
I would have to agree with Zen - Poungach looked an absolute picture in the parade ring. Even to my untrained eye.
I've seen a lot of beautiful women and some beautiful afghan hounds but some are more beautiful than others.
I'm not saying Big Buck's doesn't look well. He always does. I am saying that he isn't conventionally attractive, well put together, or however you would like to describe it. Poungach (just because he ran in the same race) is the epitome of everything you would look for in a National Hunt horse. Big Buck's is a bit gawky.
I suppose it depends what one is looking for. Brigitte Bardot wouldn't have stood a chance against Sally Gunnell in a 400metre hurdle race but I know which one I would rather wake up next to (reworded slightly).
I must say I thought Big Bucks has definitely looked better than when I saw him last Thursday, but like people have alluded to, who cares when you can run and jump hurdles like he can? Previously I've always thought he's looked tall, athletic, muscular and very rangey, but I thought he was just a bit dull and lacking a bit in the depth on his hind quarters. Got to agree with everything said about Poungach, looked a million dollars, and I backed him for a place on the back of that unfortunately, looks a proper chaser in the making. Races aren't won in the parade ring though are they?
Ron, did you know that a "Sally Gunnell" is now a golfing term. Its used when you top the ball but it still goes a long way along the the ground....an ugly runner...if you will LOL
I think Big Bucks is, and this is why he is such a magnificent animal, menacingly elegant. There are not many horses I can think of who fit that bill.
"menacingly elegant". What a great term. Never heard that one before. That's probably what I liked about him.
