If we're going keep working back through the decades, then there's another horse that deserves a mention, Citation from the US. Ribot certainly has to go on the list for the 50s which opens the door for the American star. He found fame through the late 40s and the early 50s. He was a Champion 2 Year Old Colt in 1947, Triple Crown winner and Champion 3 Year Old Colt at 3 in 1948, Champion Male Handicap Dirt Horse 1948, US Horse of the Year 1948, Champion Older Male Dirt Horse of the Year 1951. Time form rating 142.
Loved that horse. I still think the best race I ever saw was the ‘68 Eclipse. The most exciting finish and really Sir Ivor at his optimum distance and the French baying for revenge. Saint-Martin was certain he’d won on Taj Dewan but Royal Palace, the true stayer of the trio, prevailed by a nose. Strange to think that Barclay, who rode RP better than Moore, was sacked by Murless little over 2 years later.
You are right about Sea Bird Busty, just that Vaguely Noble was my first ever classic winner, and held a place dear to me. Coincidently, I just watched the 1963 Epsom Derby triumph of Relko, I was too young to think much of it at the time, but he absolutely trounced his field, with Yves St Martin still looking to be keeping him in check as they crossed the line!
I think it's difficult Reebs. There are outstanding good horses and there are horses each one of us gets attached to. How can you choose between the two? It's why we like Racing I suppose. Relko is a bit of a funny one. He looked fabulous but there were concerns about doping that tended to overshadow his achievement.
It was the race that had all the perfect ingredients. Different generations taking on each other. The Anglo-French rivalry. It was the perfect race and a superstar prevailed, just. It was such a shame that Royal Palace struggled with injuries or his CV could have been even more amazing.
