Altior was 4 seconds quicker than standard red, which made me think it wasn't good to soft, more like good. Quote from Simon Claisse, Clerk of the course, this evening: "The dry outlook will last throughout tomorrow into Friday so we are going to selectively water overnight to maintain current conditions. "The quicker parts of the course are the turn away from the home straight, most of the back straight, and all the way back to the home straight. We might do a little bit of the home straight if necessary as well. "We race on the New Course on Thursday which is a slightly longer circuit. We last raced on it on Festival Trials Day on January 30 but the ground we are racing on tomorrow hasn't been raced on since last March."
"They say they never come back, this is 1 of the great comebacks in the history of the Cheltenham festival" This so far has been the greatest thing iv witnessed in my small years watching racing. His trademark sweep from 3 out to 2 out is just amazing to watch, Ruby looked round as though what the **** how has he sprinted past me. The greatest horse iv ever seen.
Days like today do not come along very often. I am very jealous of Nass, the Don and anyone else who was there today to witness the amazing feat that unfolded. Many of us, myself included, were saying just over a year ago that he should be retired. How wrong we were! That win today was historic. Up there with the all time great achievements in racing. On a par with Denmans Hennessy and Kauto Star's fifth King George. Truly monumental and I wish I had the words to do it true justice. I text one of the lads who was there "cherish the moment", I hope he knew what this old fool was getting at!
Just back from probably the best days racing I've ever been to. **** all cash though! Some fantastic races with of course Sprinter's performance a real 'I was there' moment. For 80% of that race it looked like UDS would claim the crown and then Sprinter just strolled up from the final bend, a cigar in one hand and one of Hendo's large G&Ts in the other and put the young rascal in his place. Breathtaking, brilliant. Any Currency's victory was marvellous too. I've backed that bugger every time he's finished 2nd in that bloody race. Not a bean on him today! Nice scenes in the winner's enclosure afterwards with JP, who has had a tough day, waiting whilst winning connections celebrated and then went over to offer his congratulations. Proper gent, class act.
Some day at the Festival again. Poor from a punting point of view after the Yorkhill cigar job, second after second then poor Campeador falling at the last when starting to fly. Just glad he got up. Funniest moment was a couple of pissed up lads shouting at Nico, 'well done Barry'...
I'd have thought the fact that the horse actually won would be a massive clue that it was never likely to be Barry on top.... The boys must've been on the sauce from early doors.
Can I say on a separate note today that despite the divide of opinion that Mullins and Ruby provide, they were nothing other than first class in being gracious in defeat today. They understood what it meant in the bigger picture and I for one applaud them. What a few minutes that was. all round.
Yes, I think a few people have already said that, Mullins and Henry de Bromhead. No harm in saying it again though.
Yes, it was refreshing to hear trainer's being magnanimous in defeat in a big race wasn't it. It doesn't happen too often. Along with the obvious I must say one of the best things I saw today was my Fred Winter horse Campeador get up after a real pearler at the last where he got knocked down by a passing horse as well. Was right near where was I was, screens went up, was a horrific few minutes. Delighted he got up again. A lost bet isn't the most important thing when you consider what these animals do.
Cracking days racing;made a few quid and got to see the phoniex from the flames that is Sprinter Sacre.Everyone was cheering him on over this side as well,only wish I was there to savour the moment!!
I know it's late but I haven't been able to get on. Great day yesterday with Annie but today even capped that. Anyone who didn't shed a tear after that stunning performance from SS and then looking at that beautiful specimen of a horse after the race, can't have a heart. Good night all.
