Apologies firstly for going somewhat ‘mockney’ with the title of this thread and secondly for not calling Mr Henderson, Mr Henderson in it. However, for artistic licence, and all that, the headline sounded better! Anyway, amazingly that Qatari chap who recently has been buying everything with four legs, a tail and a liking for a decent bit of hay has sold a horse. I repeat sold one. Not bought another couple of hundred but actually sold one. And here’s the startling fact said beast is only on his way to Seven Barrows and Mr Henderson, the forum’s favourite trainer, our sports shining light and its most instantly recognisable figure. The horse is a 3YO colt called RED HAMMER and he’s changed hands for €105,000. The son of Falco has had 4 races across the Channel and although he hasn’t won, to date, has run some nice races in defeat most notably when runner-up at Compiegne and 3rd at Longchamp. He will arrive with the forum’s favourite trainer as a potentially seriously nice prospect and the sky, as they say, ‘is the limit’. Although I guess you could say that about any horse yet to jump a hurdle! Mr Henderson has though had huge success with horses bought off the Flat, in France, with Binocular, obviously, being the best and I see no reason why that can’t continue in this case. Next terms Triumph is looking very hot at this stage as Mr Nicholls has recently acquired a 3YO for a whopping €380,000, the ‘county set’ believe we have an outstanding prospect barned within the county lines and, of course, who knows what will happen should old boy Nigel be sent over the sticks in the forthcoming months! No prices are available for the race though at the time of writing as far as I can see. But whatever, as many a chav likes to say, put Red Hammer in your notebook and do it now. As in Mr Henderson’s ‘magic hands’ he can only improve and excel. You know it makes sense...
Cor bally blinkin' blimey can't believe it's almost 3 months since I wrote the above! Anyway, Red Hammer now quoted in the ‘Triumph’ market. 25/1.
I say, old boy, that’s a bit harsh! I’m sure you can recall a previous unraced Hendo horse I tipped to win the ‘Triumph’. Nudge, nudge, wink, wink, say no more...
Well, at least he only used "the forum's favourite trainer" twice, and "magic hands" once, in the opening missive. Let's be thankful for small mercies. Oh to hell with it, things will never change..................
Now then old boy, no need for silliness. At the age of 4 Punchestowns was still in France awaiting to be plucked from obscurity by Mr Henderson, the forum’s favourite trainer. Not until then and the application of the latters ‘magic hands’ did Punchestowns start fulfilling his potential and go on to be a Champion. Also has his place in racing folklore, of course, because Punchestowns was Mr Henderson’s 2,000th winner. But Triumph Hurdle victor, no. Calm down, Swanny. Did the steward forget to put the tonic in your lunchtime GnT?!? You seem most unusually fractious, today. Don, it’s called Zubayr and is the clear market leader for the 2016 Triumph – as low as 12’s in a place. 2 runs in Longchamp maidens for Alain De Royer Dupre finishing 3rd and then 4th. They have gone down the Zaynar route with this one as he is ex Aga Khan stock.
They just beat Harold Kirk and Willie Mullins to the sale too Don, Kirk had bid 370,000 but Tom Malone acting for Nicholls then stole in with 380,000.
Question Sir Barney Chuckles if I may ??? Why are you so fascinated with the triumph hurdle? Is it because it's the only feasible race for Henderson to have a realistic chance in as the big trainer's focus on the bigger events throughout the week?! Answers on a post card, usual address.
It’s a race that’s always fascinated me to be honest. Love the unpredictability of it. As until the animal hits a racecourse and is set alight by 8 flights of hurdles connections never really know what they’ve got. In the past Group horses off the Flat have been the stars of the juvenile hurdling scene whilst similarly horses from that sphere rated in the 60’s have been the dominant forces! In most of the other divisions you have a pretty good idea of who sits where but in the ‘Triumph’ anything is possible, at this stage, and it’s truly fascinating to see how things develop in the months leading up to that prize. I don’t think Mr Henderson’s ambitions at the Festival will be limited to just the ‘Triumph’ though. Wouldn’t be surprised if he hit the half dozen mark once again.
Ok SBC. Thank you for your very honest, insightful and most important, unbiased view I liked the joke about Henderson and the half dozen too, just sent it out on group text here...had the lads in stitches
Barney old chap I see your old favourite Cocktails At Dawn is quoted at 20/1 for the Paddy power gold cup any thoughts on this and future targets for the winter ??
After a very good 2nd on his chasing bow Cocktails At Dawn’s jumping went somewhat went to pot on his next 3 runs before a sensational return to form on the final day, of last term, when he romped home by 26 lengths in a £30,000 handicap. However, and this is the big thing, his handicap mark was blown out of the water because of this and it rose 12 lbs to 145. I’m sure he’ll be aimed at the ‘Paddy Power’ race as there is very little else for a second season chaser over 20 furlongs or thereabouts at that stage of the season and because the prizemoney is so good. Longer term I can’t see why he can’t be effective at 3 miles+ and be a horse capable of running off a mark in the 150’s. Mr Henderson’s has only won the ‘Paddy Power’ race once though and in this heat those old rogues, the Pipe’s, are usually up to something.
Mr Henderson has given Red Hammer an entry at Ludlow on Thursday. At first glance it doesn’t look the greatest juvenile hurdle ever run and the great man looks to have found the ideal heat for Red Hammer to make his hurdling bow. Let’s hope all goes well in his prep and he gets to line-up here. I can't wait to see this one over the sticks.
This must feel like the first time you discovered that your dangly bit could be an instrument of pleasure Barney.
‘Endo unleashes the ‘Ammer in the card commencer at Ludlow of the morrow (2.10). ‘Dazzler’ Jacob who is retained by the owner will ride. Unless any of the other 3 types, who are also unraced over the sticks, are well above average then you would have to say Red Hammer, with a clear round, should oblige tomorrow.
Been down in God’s own county, Devon, for 5 days so this is my first opportunity to respond to Red Hammer’s bow over the sticks. And to be honest it wasn’t particularly inspiring as the old boy both didn’t jump or stay! Both attributes which I believe are quite important in the old NH sphere – my little grey cells have deduced this after several years watching them leap over the old timber. Mr Henderson it would appear has quite a dilemma with this one. Does he give Red Hammer a couple more attempts at lasting home or draw ‘stumps’ and prepare him for a middle distance campaign, on the level, in 2016?!? Still who better to decide than the forum’s favourite trainer and as they say round my way, ‘In Mr Henderson we trust’. The heights, people, could still be hit. One unpleasant incident after the Ludlow heat was that Mr Henderson’s representative was called to the ‘Stewards Room’ to explain the poor performance of the 8/13 market leader. Disgraceful! How dare they question the greatest man ever to set his eye upon a horse. Usually these backwater stewards are made up of minor Country toffs, failed military men or Saxe-Coburg fawners and this ‘panel’ were obviously trying to make a name for themselves. They even then had the audacity to order him to be examined by the vet (Red Hammer not Mr Henderson’s representative). And not THAT vet by the way. Happily, no abnormalities were found. In conclusion don’t give up on Red Hammer and I look forward to his next run...
