Triumph Hurdle 2020 Total failure. Fortunately, this year I got even with Quilixios in the same race and with the same odds.
Like flat racing, NH has become a game for softies. His greatest win (outside of his first Gold Cup demolition of Mill House) in the Whitbread Gold Cup was on good to firm.
I found some old videos online including that Whitbread and also the Gallaher Gold Cup (also at Sandown) and both looked to be on good ground (not kicking up any divots).
When Arkle won his first Gold Cup he beat the course record. Now there are NH course records and there are NH course records, and I'm sure any sane man has misgivings about fast (especially NH) times, but you don't beat a previous best by 4 seconds on soft or even good to soft going. His career was not shortened because his legs gave up due to running on 'unsuitable going' but because during his last race at Kempton he hit a side board at a fence and broke a pedal bone.
I understand the point Nass is trying to make but if it were the festival they would all be running. Also how often have we seen watering followed by a heavy rain shower producing false ground and multiple withdrawals?
More complete bow.locks from the officialdom that is British Racing today.... they (have they ever sat on a horse) gave Rachel Blackmore 'advice' on what steps to take in the event such circumstances as today threw up. They spoke with the Vet' Officer who said all was ok, but deemed not to suggest to her she might take longer in considering whether to continue.... !@!@!!
