Iâm sure I speak for everyone, and I do mean everyone, on the forum when I say âHappy Birthday, old boyâ to Sam Waley-Cohen who today reaches the milestone age of 30. Very, very popular amongst punters and racegoers the forumâs favourite Corinthian has over the years proved himself to be the perfect jockey in the top steeplechases and in recent seasons has won 2 King George VIâs, a Cheltenham Gold Cup and been placed in a couple of Grand Nationalâs following vintage performances in the saddle from Mr Waley Cohen. Although he is an amateur the old boy has also won other âopenâ contests at both the Aintree and Cheltenham Festivals. A win at the latter coming as recently as last month, when he defied large odds, aboard the Mr Henderson trained Rajdhani Express. Several NH enthusiasts seem to go crazy about the likes of the Ruby boy, the Geraghty lad and McCoy (in fact several on here seem keen to commence a bromance with this character) but Mr Waley-Cohen has proved their equal in recent times with a C.V. more than comparable in the top, top steeplechases. In fact it was telling that in the recent Grand National where as the above trio all ended up on their backsides (out of only a handful of riders who did so) the forumâs favourite Corinthian earned maximum praise for an inspired ride on Oscar Time as he guided a horse, clearly passed his best, into a place. So then everyone join me as I raise my glass and once again declare, âHappy Birthday, Mr Waley-Cohenâ.
Dex, Mr Waley-Cohen is one of just a handful of people in the racing industry (Mr Henderson and ‘King’ Keiren are others that instantly spring to mind) who’s achievements demand a bit of forelock tugging. Nassau, behave old boy, that is an outrageous comment. Mr Waley-Cohen is so accomplished that he can give riding lessons. He does not need to receive them!
Shergy I don't think Sam will win many awards for a few of his rides but in fairness to the chap he openly admits his faults and still is a pretty decent jock when you consider the few rides he gets. I'm not one for bashing these amateurs no matter how privileged they may be!
I agree he's ok Beef, but that is about it. It's not exactly difficult to go well in these big races, when your dad has money coming out of his ears, and is allowing you to ride all these expensive French recruits. Joseph O'Brien is the same, average jockey who gets found out in big fields as his positional sense is terrible. Lucky there was only about 7 of them in last years Derby
Oh ****, Corinthian means an amateur, so forget that. The guys I mentioned are far from amateurs on this forum. Waley-Cohen sounds more like a solicitor than an amateur jock?...............
Very amusing SBC but calling him a Corinthian is a touch too much. Compared with the great Corinthians of the past he's a small c at the very best.
Top riding honours at the weekend once again went to dear old Sam Waley-Cohen who won the Grade 2 Future Champions’ Novice Chase aboard the Mr Henderson trained Rajdhani Express. Mr Waley-Cohen has certainly excelled on this one this term as he had won on him previously both at Kempton Park at Christmas and, of course, at the Cheltenham Festival. Rated 150 prior to Ayr Rajdhani Express is sure to be raised now to a figure that puts him almost on a par with this terms top staying novice chasers. Our favourite Corinthian will tomorrow be aboard Long Run at Punchestown but I note that Daddy Robert has one running this evening at Towcester – Storm Lantern in the 6.05 at Towcester. This one though is trained by those old rogues the Pipe’s. Cor blimey what ever possessed the man to put one with them! Sam isn’t on board though which I’m sure Mr Henderson is thankful for as you wouldn’t want him arriving across the water having leaned some of the Pipe’s ways now would you!
Long Run looks like a bit of value tomorrow, especially if he goes out to 9/2 or so for an e/w bet. Can't see him out of the places and the ground will not suit SDC.
I agree Oddy, I think Long Run is a better horse than SDC. SDC is a Cheltenham specialist, but on a flatter track I can see Long Run reversing the form. Soft ground is not a problem for Long Run either, having won the KG on it
