I think they have been unlucky and they certainly don't spend as much money as Sheikh Mo and Coolmore, but don't forget the likes of NAYEF, SAKHEE and GHANNATI in recent years.
You cannot fault Hills' training career, especially when you consider he built it up from nothing. He did not go out of his way to be popular so is probably not bothered whether he is liked or not. It has to be said though that he would have trained even more winners if he'd had better stable jockeys for the past 20 years. I wish his son well but he has a hard act to follow.
OddDog: "In computing, an avatar is the graphical representation of the user or the user's alter ego or character." Doh, I just stuck it there 'cos our cat makes a half decent picture!
It took me months of research trying to find an image that graphically represented me or my alter ego or character. It was too difficult so I gave up. It was easier to change the definition of avatar to " a picture you like that can be used in computer forums to easily identify your posts".
Ron: "..........." a picture you like that can be used in computer forums to easily identify your posts". Ah, that's better. OddDog is too clever wid de woids, godda have a dictionary at hand when he's around........
Odddog, in my opinion Sheik Hamdans lean spell is sadly down in part to being over loyal to his trainers and jockey. I do not feel he employs those at the top of the proffession as he's horses deserve. Barry hills and Marcus tregonning would be in no ones list of top trainers nowadays and Richard hills in even less peoples list of the top 20 jockeys. Regarding Barry Hills it is a great shame that he will i doubt be remembered with too much warmth due to a very abrasive personality. There is i feel little excuse for a lack of good manners and respect towards all regardless of position or power. Sir Henry is the opposite obviously never short with anyone, treats all with respect and never imagines he is beyond speaking to someone who has taken the time to address him. On the note of trainers being respected i think Sir Barney you may be well off the money with the idea that Nicky Henderson is as repected as you say or regarded as much of a genius. I actually think if you took a poll many would have quite a different opinion of him.
BlueSky, when Mr Henderson had his 2,000th winner earlier this year at Newbury, courtesy of Punchestowns, he was mobbed by racegoers who were so keen to congratulate him and pay homage to a genius from the training ranks. An indicator of his huge popularity. In fact, it took him so long to get through the mob who were so keen to kiss, hug, pat him on the back or offer him a handshake, that the racecourse executive had to keep Punchestowns in the old ‘winners enclosure’ about three times as long as normal because it took Mr Henderson so long to arrive! And when he did the crowd naturally broke into wild cheering.
I liked Barry Hills. To train more than 3,200 winners is a remarkable feat and he deserves all the plaudits that come his way.
