Search Results for 'ar mad'

[Imperial Call]

Thought after both the Arkle and Sun Alliance winners were trained on these shores that I might resurrect this thread for a while. I think both are heading to Punchestown now so that leaves the Powers Gold Cup very open looking.

Hopefully Noel Meade will have Aran Concerto back and firing and I suppose we could well see Nicanor lining up as well after an encouraging reappearance in desperate ground at Gowran. Trafford Lad’s form has a very solid look to it now after the events at Cheltenham and he’d be one I’d be interested in over the same course and distance that he won the Drinmore. Rare Bob could well be another interesting contender as well on better ground.

Apart from Forpadydeplasterer and Cooldine I thought it was a bit of a mixed bag from the Irish novices at Cheltenham. Made In Taipan ran with great credit in the Arkle but both Golden Silver and Follow The Plan were disappointing. Horner Woods ran an absolute cracker in the Sun Alliance but it is just a shame that his stablemate Chasing Cars couldn’t run in the race because he got within 3/4L of the winner over hurdles last year. Casey Jones got badly outpaced during the race but he flew up the hill and he’d definitely be interesting in the Irish National. Siegemaster’s jumping frailities resurfaced and he needs to get that together if he’s to be a force over fences. For me, one of the biggest disappointments of the week was Tranquil Sea in the Jewson who I thought could’ve been thrown in on some of his novice hurdle form. He disappointed again though and he looks now to have lost his way completely.

I recall there was plenty of talk about Fiveforthree on both this thread and the various Cheltenham threads and I suppose a lot of you might be interested to hear that he’s returning to the track tomorrow in a 2 mile hurdle race at Wexford (3:35 race). Chasing is off the agenda for the rest of this season and he’ll be aimed at one of the grade 1 hurdles at Punchestown. Hopefully we’ll see him and Mikael D’Haguenet over the larger obstacles next year.

[The Ante-Post King]

Boys, you pair are painting a picture of a comedy double act! The two Ronnies springs to mind, this thread has made me laugh more than any
other i have read but its beginning to get silly! For the record i too am 6ft
14.5 stone and have studied the art of Tae Kwon do for the past 15yrs, all
my gradings have been under 9th dan"Grand Master Rhee", who was actually taught himself by the inventor of this art "General Choi hong hi" I am very fortunate to have been a student of the UKTA which has a direct historical link to the founder himself through the WTF. Trust me when i say we fear No other art, i respect all who are willing to learn though!
Enough said! Now next years Gold cup winner, i do like the look of Calgary bay!!

[Aristo]

Last year prior to the QMCC PN said enough to suggest to me Twist Magic was only there to make up the numbers.

I had at the time my biggest bet of the season on MM so I am certainly not talking through my pocket.

I am of the opinion Twist Magic does not stay a yard of the 2 miles round Cheltenham and PN was perfectly aware the horse had no chance and gave instructions to Sam Thomas to take care of the horse. I’m being polite!

During the race he was always going fairly well and was still within striking distance of the leading horses going to the 4th last when Sam Thomas seemed to take it very easy going into the fence. He was passed by New Mill and from then on in Sam dropped his hands and made no efort whatsoever. Newmill was a couple of lengths up on him and his jockey was rowing away like a man posessed.

This year he put up even less effort in my opinion and was clearly therre gain to make up numbers.

A lot of people lost a lot of EW money on the horse and you can have a good bet he’ll skip over to Ireland like he did last year. Last year he truned round the form with 2 horses who finished away in front of him in the QMCC and not a question was asked. Different track sure different going sure but a total non trier in my book.

PN the biggest trainer in the country can afford to school horses in public even at Cheltenham the question is if that was an ordinary meeeting on an ordinary track and it was some lesser trainer, would he be pulled up for it?

i rekon it was so blatant his feet wouldn’t touch the ground.

[Aristo]

The idea that Arkle could give Kauto Star 2 stone and a beating is of course laughable.

In the history of ANY sport, there has been no single athlete so superior to his rivals or contemparies as we are meant to believe Arkle is to all his.

Arkle would likely have "blown up" due to lack of fitness if he took part in this year’s Gold Cup, and probably pulled up in last years severe test.

Point 1, Correct – I agree with you on this. Arkle trying to concede 2 stones to KS would have been a step too far. But he could have conceded him some weight and would have beaten him.

Handicaps, unlike grade or conditions races are meant to equalise the chances of every horse in the race. Therefore, it could be reasonably argued that the likes Arkle and Kauto have a distinct and unfair advantage in grade races where the runners carry comparable weights. Therefore, a better way of gauging their true dominance and ability is for them to concede weight to those horses deemed inferior.

Point 2. That is simply wrong. There have been athletes (and racehorses) that have been so superior and every bit just as dominant in their particular sphere as Arkle was.

Point 3. What arrant nonsense. If you profess to know anything at all about horse racing then you wouldn’t have made such an ill informed statement. A fit Arkle would have won that race last Friday without any problem.

"H" my old mate I have noticed those who are coming away with such statements are saying so without any foundation to it. Those who saw the horse and knew the horse could put up a thousand reasons why Arkle was clearly superior but these experts are still going to open their mouths and letting their belly’s rumble.

The best horse in trainging today was supposed to be Master Minded. He started at odds of 4/11 I think. Arkle won his third Gold Cup at 1/10 which says it all.

I said before the Gold Gup Kauto should be odds on but 1/10? Anyway he started at Odds against with the whole world knowing Denman coudn’t win.

Enough said even if he did win like a 1/6 shot.

[Aristo]

The thing is you can’t ignore the facts Mr Frisk.

I have as much right and more reason to claim Kauto Star was his equal but I just can’t bring myself to believe it.

Horses aren’t atheletes and although training methods may have improved I think I am right in saying times aren’t that much different.

It would seem horses don’t improve at the rate human have been doing.

How long did Mamood 1930’s hold the record for the Epsom Derby?

I know Gold Cup winner Mill House held the record at Sandown over 3 miles and there was a big write up about it in the SC as he had knocked a fair bit of time of it. Seemed a big thing until Arkle came along and not only beat Mill House and co by 20 lengths he knocked another 17 seconds of the course record doing it.

Can you imagine Kauto Star knocking 17 seconds of say Dessies time for the King George. He would need to be some kind of freak to do that would he not?

Or Can you imagine Kauto Star being asked to give this years Scottish Grand National 42lbs and beat him in a common canter by 5 lengths.

I would say that would be impossible but Arkle did it and that is a fact and Arkle that day could have carried 14 stone and still won.

These are the type of things that made Arkle the highest rated horse ever. The din’t do it for the fun of it they did it because they had to.

Kauto Star is a brilliant horse but he hasn’t been asked to do the things Arkle did.

You really had to be there. The TV clips show some of his ability but I can remember Arkle going into a fence one day and I swear he was 3 lengths behind. He took of miles from the fence cleared it by at least 3 feet landed perfectly balanced and with in one stride of landing was 2 lengths up and gone. I remember my Uncle saying "That’s not a horse it’s a friggin gizzelle"

Kauto is fantasic to watch he travelles better than any horse racing today and has an uncanny turn of foot but Arkle drew breaths from the stands with his jumping and ooh’s and ah’s with some awesome leaps miles above fences..He had this beautiful posture in the air and the way he landed he got away from a fence so fast he gained length after length at every fence.

I’m sorry but Kauto is a bit of a funny jumper and you could hardly call him majestic and you never see him pass 3 horses in the air like Arkle did often. Master Minded is the nearest I’ve seen to him actually, he did it at sandown and broght back a lot of memeories I can tell you

When he walked into a parade ring it was like Muhammad Ali, Pele and Tiger Woods all walking into a room at the same time. Had Arkle been a person he would have outshone them all

When I was a kid TV’s turned on all over my estate just to watch this marvel run. Housewives, grannies punters and non punters alike. It was like Grand National Day everytime he ran and you woud be lucky to find anyone on the street at the time of the race.

I understand for a younger person all this is hard to take in. Arkle was a living Legend, a household name with a huge fan club and if you think Dessie was popular then try multiplying that by one thousand and you get pretty near the figure that knew of Arkle. John Lennon said the Beatles were more popular than Jesus Arkle was more popular than the Beatles in Ireland..The highest honour during the war was the victoria cross the highest honour in Ireland is the name "Himself" and it always be his.

Sorry such a long post but when someone says I don’t believe he was that superior it’s the only way I can think of convincing him he was everything timeform said he was.

Doesn’t take long to find his story on the net and if you do try to imagine Kauto doing what Arkle did nowadays. Like me I think you will give up quickly on that quest

[robnorth]

SEDGEFIELD – Tuesday March 10th

Going – Good (Good To Soft back straight)

With Cheltenham taking most of the attention the Northern circuit continued in low key mode. The going here was bordering on good all round after a dry spell. Despite that the apparent area ‘requirement’ to miss a fence continued, with the second in the back straight being missed out.

2.20 2m 4f Class 4 Maiden Chase

This was a weak event, and NAVAL ATTACHE rated only 70 and recording a first win at 25 attempts won it fairly comfortably. A step up in trip seemed to help and he wasn’t stopping at the finish. His future prospects depend on how the handicapper treats this race since he’s only a lowly performer in that sphere.
QUINCY DES PICTONS made a satisfactory debut, having been recruited from French provincial racing mainly in their equivalent of bumpers. He challenged two out but was held. He needs to move forward from this, but it was a sound start.
EASBY MANDARIN should have won this on official figures, and looked the winner having led to three out. He went out like a light two out which isn’t encouraging.
PADDYMcGINTYSGOAT is basically slow and was left behind from the fourth last.
SCUZME jumped poorly on his chasing debut.
TURBULENT FLIGHT is very slow.
CUCCINELLO has yet to even place in 22 attempts.
PRESENT EDWARD looked totally clueless and after a succession of poor jumps pulled up after the fifth.

4.15 2m 4f 0-110 Handicap Chase

STAGECOACH AMBER led his field a merry dance here, jumping well and having his rivals burnt off by two out. His problem will be that his rating will no doubt be bumped up near to 120, and this class is basically his level so life could be difficult from now on.
TARABALOO stayed on for second and with fewer miles on the clock is probably the one to take out of this race. His hurdle win came on fast ground and, boasting three places in four chasing attempts, he looks one to keep on the right side over the coming months.
CYBORA is consistent, but up to a rating of 100 now and that may find him held. He chased from three out but couldn’t get to the winner.
SANDS RISING kept on for fourth having been well back early on. He seems to run honestly enough but the years are catching up.
CARRIETAU didn’t benefit noticeably from a step up in trip.
SOUND OF CHEERS never got into the race and struggles in anything but the lowest handicap class.
DAY OF CLAIES was returning after the best part of two years off. He never got into the race, but the outing will no doubt do him some good, though it remains to be seen how much ability is retained.
WHATCANYOUSAY won the race last year, but retreated quickly from three out. This was too bad to be true.
TEVIOT LASS decanted her rider at the eighth. She probably has ability enough to win a small race but sometimes clumsy jumping holds her back.
THE HEDGE travelled from Northern Ireland but made no impact and pulled up. That’s 26 runs without a win now.

4.55 2m 4f Hunters’ Chase

This looked a poor event, but well done to his one horse trainer Miss Morgan-Murphy for revitalising NOUVEAU MAIRE. Twice a winner in France, he had lost his way totally in recent runs there, but was produced to win comfortably here. His only previous attempt in Britain had been off 120 in a Cheltenham handicap but this seems more his level.
WITNESS RUN is currently rated 105, though it’s doubtful this form reached that level. He had every chance but couldn’t make an impression on the winner. The shorter trip may well suit better than three miles in points and he may have a chance in a similarly weak event.
YANN’S is a thirteen year old whose ability is on the wane. He just plugged on from three out.
BENNY BOY got closer here than on previous attempts under Rules, staying on late for fourth. The impression is that a longer trip will not be a problem.
SIMPLY SMASHING jumped poorly in the rear early, but picked off a few late on.
HASPER offered only one pace from two out.
PARADISE BAY ran some decent races last spring and may benefit from the sun on his back, but dropped away from four out here.
JUPITER’S FANCY had a decent season last year but needed the race on this occasion.
WINDY HILLS, made favourite, had every chance three out but faded quickly. His NH form from two years back is much that this suggests.
EMERALD DESTINY raced up with the pace early but weakened quickly from the tenth.
INCAS finished last and it could be that the years are catching up.

HEXHAM – Wednesday March 12th

Going – Soft

This is one of the ‘cult’ days for followers of Northern jump racing with the annual running of the ‘Hexham four-miler’. Thus do the likes of ‘yours truly’ get their excitement.

As has been the case all season, the fence at the top of the hill was out of action. ‘Area requirement’ satisfied!

2.20 2m ½ f Class 3 Novices’ Chase

SA SUFFIT was balloted out of his intended race at Cheltenham but found a straightforward consolation prize, seeing off his only serious rival very comfortably. He led at a steady pace and then kicked no two out, none of the others being good enough to respond. He really wasn’t out of a canter once he reached the hill up to the straight. He jumps well and is progressing nicely. Assuming the third ran to form this run has to be worth the mid-130s and I would imagine that James Ewart might seek out a race either at Aintree or the Ayr Scottish National Meeting. He has the potential to become the best chaser trained in Scotland.
THE DUKE’S SPEECH found his limitations exposed here and was left behind from three out though stayed on to take second. He seems better on flatter tracks.
SOUBRIQUET probably ran more or less to his mark in third place. He hit three out, which stopped him in his tracks, and would probably have bagged second otherwise. He may well be worth trying in a novice handicap, since he doesn’t seem over-rated at 115.
PENDLE FOREST once again had no chance in this company, but her jumping was sound and she pootled round for £477 in fourth.

3.35 4m 0-110 Handicap Chase

There was a disappointing turn out for the ‘big event’ but nevertheless competitive with the whole field having bits of form which gave them a chance.

Three mares met three geldings and it was the distaff side that came out on top, BELLANEY JEWEL staying on better than the remainder from the bottom of the hill. She has run three races at Hexham, is unbeaten here, and has a very decent 7 wins from 25 NH races.
CAPYBARA is decent at this level on his day, though his jumping can go awry occasionally. He was on his game today and had every chance before the winner slipped her field up the hill but kept on after the last. He’s very lightly raced for an eleven year old and may still have a few miles in him. Targets like the Highland National or the Durham National could figure in plans.
GETINBYBUTONLYJUST has become a most frustrating character. He normally manages to get himself involved in the latter stages without ever getting his head in front. I presume he might be another Perth bound come late April, though on a rating of 94 he wouldn’t necessarily get a run, 95 having been the lowest rating in the race last year.
KORELO would have lapped these in his hey-day, but he could only raise one pace late on. This was a bit better than other recent efforts though.
OVERLADY is only small and, given that I wouldn’t have thought going or trip would be a problem, the weight may have stopped her. She found only one pace from two out and may be better aimed at higher class races off light weights.
SHULMIN weakened quickly from three out then pulled up and was reported as having a breathing problem. Assuming she’s none worse I’ll be looking out for her when I visit Sedgefield on April 7th.

4.55 2m 4 ½ f 0-95 Handicap Chase

A really poor event.

The winner NEIDPATH CASTLE has shown up quite well at Ayr last time, and saw off some untalented or out of form rivals. I would presume that the handicapper will shunt him up by a double-figure poundage, which would end his prospects of a repeat.
TULLY HILL has been very slow this season, but managed to keep up here and plodded on past a couple of rivals for second. This at least shows he has a modicum of ability given bad enough opposition, but on the face of it he achieved very little.
MISTRAL DE LA COUR couldn’t cope once they hit the hill.
BULLIES ACRE disputed or led for a way but had called enough as the field took the hill.
MR TWINS jumped poorly and lost touch by the tenth, getting a little closer as his rivals hit the wall late on.
BALLYNURE didn’t go a yard and seemed to resent any encouragement.

NEWCASTLE – Saturday March 14th

Going – Good (Good To Firm in places)

A total turn round in the going within a week from West coast to East.

3.20 2m ½ f 0-105 Handicap Chase

ZA BEAU is suited by the fast ground. Her jumping can be a bit dicey sometimes, but she is useful on her day and could pick up a race or two at this level on the decent ground expected in the spring. Word has it that she is to be covered by Kayf Tara, so it might be worth looking out for baby Za Beau’s in years to come.
IT’S BERTIE has been in good form recently and ‘kept the winner honest’ over the last three. He was a long way clear of the third and may well pick up a race stepped up in trip.
HUTCH had been absent for a long while and performed moderately encouragingly in third. He’s still a maiden over fences, but there was enough to suggest his trainer might place him to win a weak handicap chase.
MR FLOPPY was never dangerous. His profile is not brilliant but does suggest a longer trip is required.
HICKORY LANE is slow and struggling, a mark of 67 here meaning he was 10lbs out of the handicap. His form suggests he would need a very bad race to figure.
MALT DE VERGY was restrained in midfield until tipping over at the sixth.
STORMY BEECH led to the eighth but the towel quickly came in once headed.

4.20 3m 0-110 Handicap Chase

JORVEYBROOK left previous form behind on his second attempt over fences. He looked held four out but really got going in the straight, but then a poor jump at the last handed the initiative to the second. He battled back well and is the type to progress as he gets experience.
SEEK THE TRUTH offered promise for the future at only his second attempt over the trip. He saw off the remainder comfortably only to find the winner too strong close home. His best runs have come at Carlisle and Newcastle, so a stiff track seems to help along with good or fast ground.
DARINA’S BOY led to five out then dropped away from three out.
WIZARDS DUST threatened to get involved when going well at the thirteenth, but dropped away to be well held. He had no real excuse here since he had conditions to suit.
ANGLICAN made mistakes early on and never got into the race.
LOST IN NORMANDY raced prominently early but the white flag seems to be raised very easily these days.
ORANG OUTAN made mistakes and didn’t give his running here, weakening from five out and pulling up.
TRISONS STAR is going backwards and put in another lack lustre performance.

[milbear0]

For what its worth i remember checking the volume traded on the AP market for the gold cup on betfair a few days before it closed. I believe more money was traded on Denman than Kauto over the previous 12 months in a ratio of something like 3.5:1. I realise a lot of money would have been tied up in doubles and trebles involving Kauto star but with which horses? Quevega? MDH? My double and treble with cousin vinny, binocular and Kauto certainly didnt come in but i guess they would have considered that to be a profit made on cousin vinny. Surely a valid point?

[milbear0]

Following his run in the gold cup i thought Denman looked every inch the national horse cruising easily at a 3 1/2 mile chase speed and i imagine would hold the gallop throughout the 4.5 miles required.

However, for the purposes of this ‘rant’ that is irrelivent.

Paul Nicholls volunteered a statement in January suggesting that he was firmly coming round to the idea of running Denman in this years grand national – in his ‘prime’ i think was the statement made. Following a multi million pound AP gamble he then issued a further statement around a week later clarifying that his intent was ONLY to run Denman if his gold cup campaign went awry.

I think Mr Nicholls was highly irresponsible initiating a market fever just to backtrack days later. Most irritating of all is the fact something DID go awry with Denmans gold cup campaign, he galloped to a bloodless second place at Cheltenham and yet STILL his participation from the GN is withdrawn – and has been for some time.

Quite clearly Denman would not run at Aintree unless something happened that would result in him still not running. Thats what the market assumed his entry would amount to back in 2008 until the idiot stepped up and made the bookies millions.

At least i assume it was the bookies who profited…

[Himself]

Look at how Martin Pipe revolutionised fitness in horse training in the 80s and 90s….all his horses were not neccessarily better than the opposition but when your fitness levels are on a different level all together. Few of his winners were ever superstars but fitness won the day. Nicholls has now taken it to another level.

Arkle would not compare to today’s runner in comparison to fitness and it is impossible to know what sort of horse he would be under today’s conditions. No doubt those that call him a freak will just assume he would be equally as dominant but of course if you look at it objectively you’d know it would be very unlikely to be the case.

Handicaps, unlike grade or conditions races are meant to equalise the chances of every horse in the race. Therefore, it could be reasonably argued that the likes Arkle and Kauto have a distinct and unfair advantage in grade races where the runners carry comparable weights. Therefore, a better way of gauging their true dominance and ability is for them to concede weight to those horses deemed inferior.

With all due respect…that is a load of nonsense. What is the point of having conditions races then? You clearly think the Hennessy is superior to the Gold Cup then? Handicaps are one persons (handicapper) opinion on a race. In a conditions race, there are no excuses….the best take on the best.

If you could transfer Kauto Star back to Arkle’s day and KS got the type of training that Arkle got then I am sure there is every chance that Arkle could be his superior. But the idea that he is certain to beat Kauto under today’s conditions comes from a lack of understanding of the (for the want of a better phrase) science of racing.

Himself, I would be interested to know what other sports stars from the 60s and 70s are considered so

hugely

superior to recent stars of track and field, tennis, swimming etc.

My point about conditions and grade races is a valid one. Think about it – when horses of average talent are asked to carry the same weight as champions or horses of outstanding ability then it is fair to assume that their chances of defeating those considered superior are considerably lessened. Whereas, if the inferior horses are allotted less weight in handicaps, their chances are heightened somewhat. Is this not the case ?

If Usain Bolt had 14 bags of sugar strapped to his body – do you think he could beat his rivals so easily – or if Federer, Nadal were forced to use old wooden rackets, do you think they would be so effective – or if Steven Gerrard or Cristiano Ronaldo had to play with a much heavier and bigger ball, or with heavier boots on heavier pitches, do you think they would be so effective ?

Footballers back in the 60s and 70s may not have been as fit or as thoroughly and well trained as today’s over pampered stars, but trust me on this – the great players were every bit as skilfull – if not more so. Do you really think that players such as Cruyff, Beckenbauer, Pele, Muller, Garrincha, Jinky Johnstone, Rivera, Moore, Charlton, Law and George Best couldn’t play in any era. Of course they could.

As regards to horseracing ; yes, of course training methods have improved considerably – as they have in all sports. However, champions of all eras tend to transcend time and as many a good judge will tell you, they would have been able to adapt to whatever era they found themselves in.

I’ll leave the last word on this to ‘"Chasers and Hurdlers" when commenting on the Arkle vs the rest debate a couple of years ago, commented:

" If these reminiscences about Arkle conjure up strains of the theme from a Hovis bread commercial, we apologise – but if comparisons with Arkle had not been made, we would not have had to refute them. Arkle’s feats were extraordinary by the standards of his day, and nothing short of STAGGERING by THOSE OF THE PRESENT DAY. "

Gambling Only Pays When You're Winning

[Himself]

The idea that Arkle could give Kauto Star 2 stone and a beating is of course laughable.

In the history of ANY sport, there has been no single athlete so superior to his rivals or contemparies as we are meant to believe Arkle is to all his.

Arkle would likely have "blown up" due to lack of fitness if he took part in this year’s Gold Cup, and probably pulled up in last years severe test.

Point 1, Correct – I agree with you on this. Arkle trying to concede 2 stones to KS would have been a step too far. But he could have conceded him some weight and would have beaten him.

Handicaps, unlike grade or conditions races are meant to equalise the chances of every horse in the race. Therefore, it could be reasonably argued that the likes Arkle and Kauto have a distinct and unfair advantage in grade races where the runners carry comparable weights. Therefore, a better way of gauging their true dominance and ability is for them to concede weight to those horses deemed inferior.

Point 2. That is simply wrong. There have been athletes (and racehorses) that have been so superior and every bit just as dominant in their particular sphere as Arkle was.

Point 3. What arrant nonsense. If you profess to know anything at all about horse racing then you wouldn’t have made such an ill informed statement. A fit Arkle would have won that race last Friday without any problem.

Gambling Only Pays When You're Winning

[Kautostar1]

If anyone is interested have made a video of him, it’s pretty naff but think it shows him in a good light

http://s692.photobucket.com/albums/vv281/kautostar1/?action=view&current=Edited2ndGoldcup.flv
http://s692.photobucket.com/albums/vv28 … oldcup.flv

[Aristo]

Only 20 million. So I must be the only person who backed him

The back street boys here lost a pretty penny I can tell you so 20 million in the UK doesn’t seem an exagerated figure at all. He was 7/1 and 5/1 after the Gold Cup which must have taken a few quid for starters. Surlely there would at least a few mad punters would have backed him to take very large amounts out of the pot. Plus more than a few 5k and 10k bets, a mass of singles double and trebles and all the AP bets leading up to the race when they knew Denman was unlikely to run and KS had trotted up in the KG.

Had he not run at Aintree and won that race he fell in he would have probably stared odds on and 30-40m would have been lost.

I think you are underestimating how popular the horse and his trainer are.

[Aristo]

FIST,you have this school bully attitude running through your posts and
little EQUITRACK is the sort who brings you a bag of American Hard gums
to class every day, but always hides behind you when it kicks off! Look at
me as the EQUALISER! i hate those mouthy sorts that cant back it up!
"Foot, fist, way of life"!

Oh! The art of fighting without fighting.

Equi is over 6ft and in his 20’s mate. He has just past his grading for his 3rd Dan in guttersnipe karate. Why would he hide behind me??

What a pile of shyte you talk.

Now get back to next years Gold Cup and lets see if you can do a bit better this year.

Incidentally Binocular was part of a 3-pronged main bets attack I made on Cheltenham.

The fact he was placed and the other 2 Master Minded 6/4 and Kauto 7’s and 5’s both won. So I had a brilliant Cheltenham for the 3rd year running.

Sure Binocular was a bit of a let down but I can afford to take it on the chin and say well done Punjabi, as I’m not stupid enough to put all my eggs in one basket when it comes to the toghest meeting of the year.

The fact remains I spotted Binocular the first time he set foot on a race course as a CH horse. The fact is I backed him at huge odds and won a pretty penny doing so. That fact is your out of order

Let’s see you come up with a prediction like that Mr Equaliser then you can start slagging anyone you like.

But until then I think it’s only fair you call me Sensie or Sifu and show some repsect.

Now go sit in the chair in the corner and if you’re a bad boy again I will get equi to plug it in

Equaliser equalise that you

[Cav]

but i wish to go into more detail on this topic as i have now been put forward to leave my postion at my current job and i have been able to make a profit at a consistent rate and could live off it if i staked higher.

Madness.

[Aristo]

Personally I think it’s a big ask Bully but not impossible. Kauto 2008 and Kauto 2009 were like chalk and cheese. You would have to think based on the two race somewhere in between lies the answer.

At a guess because of his superior turn of foot I would imagine Kauto would be a 5 or 6 length winner all being equal.

When at thier bests both horses travel extemely well and both jump well.

I doubt if Denman could go flat out for the full Gold Cup trip and would cut his own throat if he did.

His second circuit injection of pace in 2008 had Kauto in trouble immediately which any sensible person is going to question.

Experience of watching the horse tells us Kauto is rarely of the bridle at any point of a race.

His jockey told us he never felt right but some choose to ignore the facts because they backed Denman and they are looking through rose coloured spectacles IMO

Now Kauto Star has not only reversed the form with him by 20 lengths he has left the horse who finished upides him last year miles behind. The excuse for him I am hearing "it was the ground" Mick Fitgerald reckons it make very little difference to Nipper that "he is such a nice horse he goes well on any ground" I don’t think it bothers him one way or the other". That was his exact words when asked. So we have PN making an exuse for the horse that a top jockey disagrees with.

My eyes tell me, Kauto is and always will be the better horse. PN himself seems to believe he is and Ruby most certainly does.

However individual races don’t always turn out the way we think.

If PN can get both horses to Cheltenham 2010 100% that on it’s own will be an excellent achievement.

I think with Denman the man proved he as good at that as the great Michael Dickinson was and I really admire him for getting Denman there is such good nick this year.

I was very impressed with Denman considering he must have been at least a bit short. How much is anyone’s guess but the man is a genius and you can bet he wasn’t that far off 100% to have run a race like that.

If the Gold Cup had been 2 weeks further on he is bound to have run Kauto much closer or at least made it more difficult for him.

As I said it is not impossible that Denman will beat Kauto Star next season. I don’t think he will but he’s a helluva horse and if anything goes wrong he will be the one to take advantage off it.

I bet ya Harry Findlay has a few quid on already

[Bulwark]

When a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Initially an Ice Cream Man, then anything that would pay a decent wage, however, I must lack determination as am just one of these people who can bimble through life doing all sorts of things with little focus on direction.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

The bigger your carbon footprint the statistically less likely you are to be mugged in the street by a polar bear. I am assured that has been scientifically proven aswell.

Who would play you in a film of your life?

There arent many Northern Irish actors and no-one else can do the accent so probably Liam Neeson as he has the height and build, would be gutted if it was James bloody Nesbitt, but even more gutted if it was Jason Statham.

What’s your favourite journey?

When I was in the RAF I used to be away for sometimes 15 months at a time, and it was always the journey from the airport to my house that I used to love. From the halfway point of my leave onwards I would dread the reverse of that journey.

Do you think there is too much racing in Britain?

No, a few people say that during the flat and complain that there are too many races and you cant keep track of form, however when you bet in any race you should always look at every horse’s chance anyway

Should the whip be banned?

No, but hate to see it being overused, McCoys well hailed ride this week, he gave Witchita some serious whacks with the whip that I would imagine would leave a mark, I generally dont like to see that.

If there was one thing you could change about your life, what would it be?

More money, less stress.

What’s your favourite/least favourite racecourse?

Favorite is chester, because I’ve never had a bad chester may meeting ever, also like kempton jumps if the ground is good. Out of the tracks Ive been too, i liked Haydock and Down Royal most.

What’s your favourite sport outside racing?

Ultimate Fight Championship for watching, play a bit of football and do a bit of running and kickboxing for fitness, but not really that competetive generally.

Sum yourself up in five words.

A man of few words

What was the last film you saw?

Hunger, didnt like it much.

What was the last book you read?

Murder Madness by Alan Simpson, I have always struggled to read fiction as it just doesnt interest me, so only ever read factually based books.

Give us a horse to look out for.

Jubebox Jury will win the Epsom Derby 2009, no horse by Montjeu to have won the racing post trophy on dead ground has ever failed to win at epsom, the ground in this years RPT was good and this one was second. This horse should be favorite but is 33-1. Trust me on this.

What was the best day of your racing life?

Think it was 3rd september 2005

Who’s your favourite horse ever?

Possibly Bulwark, Antonius Pius or a horse Tregoning had called Oonagh Maccool.

What would be your specialist subject on Mastermind?

How to make a pot noodle properly, because too much wtaer and it’s pot soup, theres a science to it..

Dogs or cats?

Either, have had all sorts of pets, with dogs and cats being the best of them, but both dogs and cats have their upsides and downsides. Have two dogs at the minute, and they are great, but used to have a cat and she was brilliant.

What’s the best way to spend an evening in the event of a power cut?

Running your own generator leasing company I would imagine.

Favourite holiday destination – in Britain and abroad

The only decent places Ive been to abroad are Les Arcs Skiing resort in France, which was good and Ascension Island in the South Atlantic, which was incredible. Always wanted to go to South America, but everyone I know is scared of getting kidnapped.

Best/worst subjects at school

French, Maths, Science

You’re invited to a fancy dress party – what will you go as?

The guy who didnt come in fancy dress, I am one of these people who just doesnt see the point in fancy dress, once the initial laugh at how much of a knob you look is over, you are stuck looking like a knob all night. No matter how many times Ive been invited to fancy dress do’s I just dont bother. Doesnt float my boat.

What would you choose as your last meal?

Chicken Tikka Chilli Massalla, Mushroom Pilau and a Peshwari Naan, with and Ice Cold Coke in a glass with ice.

What is the first big decision you would make if you took over racing?

Start overturning more results, when there is interference at the end of a race, the result never gets overturned in the UK, in France it happens all the time, I had a horse who came with a challenge on the inside of the rail the other week in a bumper, the jockey of the horse leading at the time, changed his course and squeezed my horse aginst the rail and blocked his run causing him to lose momentum. My horse then tried again to get through and again the jockey in front done the same thing, my horse in total lost about 3-4 lengths and the other jockeys horse won by about half a length from mine, the result stood, not even a stewards inquiry.

What is the strangest/ funniest thing you have ever seen on a racecourse?

When I was at Haydock, I backed a horse called I Love Turtle as soon as I giot there, then went to the paddock and saw that he was this flea bitten mangy looking pony, I was gutted. However he went on to win the opener that day, but what was strange about it, was the that up the run in there was another horse battling with him called Whitford Don. I love turtle just edged in front on the line and Whitford Don dropped dead right on the line. The girl who was riding Whitford Don also owned and Trained him, and sat over him crying on the line. Ive never seen anything like it before or since.

[Neil Watson]

When a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A train driver after watching lots of Thomas episodes but now ive got Train Simulator i can fulfill that Childhood dream.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

"Never back odds on in Novice Chases" Good words but many times i have ignored it to my cost.

Who would play you in a film of your life?

Daniel Radcliffe mainly as he is the only actor who looks like me albeit with more hair on his head, failing that George Clooney could have a chance at the audition.

What’s your favourite journey?

The train from Manchester to Sheffield is lovely especially past Hazel Grove with the huge hills and fields also the Preston to Glasgow/Edinburgh as their so much to look at and it makes you think how lucky you are to live in this country.

Do you think there is too much racing in Britain?

We have a lot of fixtures but they fill up well enough and in the summer the lowest grade of racing can get a decent crowd,Outside of the Derby the quality at Epsom is awful but crowds still turn up and even Goodwood evening meetings fill the stands.

Low grade racing at any track should have reduced admission, I payed £11 with my Racegoers Club discount on Peterborough Chase day yet it can cost £20 into Brighton for the Members for 0-70 handicaps.

Should the whip be banned?

No not at all, it is i vital tool for any jockey but it must be used in a positive and responsible manner.

If there was one thing you could change about your life, what would it be?

To have a bigger wage so i can go racing more.

What’s your favourite/least favourite racecourse?

Aintree is great course for me, Quality racing with a great train service to it,Least would probably be Kelso but only because nobody runs a dedicated raceday bus service from Edinburgh to it, so if the last race is at 5.30 then you are waiting till 8.00pm for a 2hour bus ride back into the City

What’s your favourite sport outside racing?

Football, I follow Man Utd and Wigan Athletic mainly as being a little lad and not having much money they were a cheap club to go and watch down at the lower end of Football (Wigan that is).

Sum yourself up in five words.

The Cottage with Andy Serkis,Reece Shearsmith and Jennifer Ellison,

Very good and Jen swears like mad aswell as having a double handfull on her chest.

What was the last book you read?

Ginger McCain My Colourful Life, Honest and Funny with emotional moments and a real rags to riches story.

Give us a horse to look out for.

Tarablaze, Saw him three times this season at Uttoxeter and Haydock twice, Will make a nice chaser.

What was the best day of your racing life?

Grand National Day 2001, Only time i have been on National day and i remember it mainly for Barton beating Best Mate in a real grind on the Aintree mud.

Who’s your favourite horse ever?

Barton, Caught my eye when he ran out at Huntingdon on his first ever racecourse run and he looked lovely when i first saw him in the flesh at Uttoxeter when he won a Grade 2 Novice.

What would be your specialist subject on Mastermind?

Quality British Comedy, We are more funnier than the Yanks will ever be when it comes to doing sit coms.

Dogs or cats?

Cats, im not anti dog but Cats only need a sand tray and some food and in turn they happily kip and do bugger all.

What’s the best way to spend an evening in the event of a power cut?

Not much, If your iPod is charged or if you have a mini DAB then listening to various Radio stations or your own music.

Favourite holiday destination – in Britain and abroad.

Britain would be London and Glasgow, Only been to Rouen when i was 13 or 14 with school but i did see my first topless woman on a beach, sadly they were like pancakes.

Best/worst subjects at school

Was okayish at English and a bit of Drama, worst was Music as at the time i had no interest in music at all plus i cannot read it.

You’re invited to a fancy dress party – what will you go as?

Aidan O’Brien, as i have to just wear a suit and talk soflty.

What would you choose as your last meal?

KFC Variety Meal with a nice pint of John Smiths or Boddingtons with a M and S Lemon Cheesecake for pudding.

What is the first big decision you would make if you took over racing?

Make the sport more accesable to people but making sure not to dumb it down in the process.

What is the strangest/ funniest thing you have ever seen on a racecourse?

A male steaker running across the track at the end of a Haydock Novice Hurdle, was in the box with John Hunt at the time and he shouted it out while in full flight as the horses were coming up to the line.