Well done with Big Rock Swanny. You must have been sweating Based on his run against Ace Impact I would have been all over him myself at 8f. It was only the fact that he has since been beaten twice over 8f that I didn't plump for him. But I couldn't go against him
Agree, I'm old enough to remember Lester's first retirement in 1985 and it was nothing like this. Lester was a much better jockey and it was just a quiet farewell, midweek at Newbury in October (I think, could have been September):a different time. That bugger returned 5 years later!
So do you think that will be Timeform’s Champion miler? All the other jockeys should be fined their riding fees for allowing Big Rock a huge uncontested lead. Most of them should have been before the stewards for failing to ride their mounts to obtain the best finishing position – the actual rules. If it had been one of Johnston’s with Joe Fanning on then some reality might be being applied. It was well backed as a known mudlark, having been second in the Moulin (winner Sauterne, Facteur Cheval half a length third), Jacques le Marios (winner Inspiral) and Prix Du Jockey Club (winner Ace Impact). This was a first Group 1 success so some rubbish is sure to be published making it a wonder horse on one performance like Hawk Wing. I bet they won’t be downgrading Paddington for never being placed to challenge. Credit to Chris Hayes for at least trying to obtain the best placing on Tahiyra when he realised (too late) that the winner was not coming back.
There was not so much 24-hour media back then and the Longfellow dabbled with training, did a bit of Her Majesty’s pleasure and then returned; and when was Lester ever a bubbly showman like Frankie? Two different eras. I suspect we might see Frankie return a bit quicker unless he makes big bucks with the Yanks.
