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i still think he was given a crap ride
And the 37 horses he beat were given better ones?
I thought it was an absolutely superb ride, always have. Truly innovative way of trying to ‘pinch’ the race.
He left dual Gold Cup winner L’Escargot for dead back in third and only just failed to give the great Red Rum 22lbs.
Mike
There is no doubt at all that Crisp was out on his feet but despite that, I have always felt ( especially at the time ) that the horse had enough in the tank to last home. However, Richard Pitman looked more knackered than poor Crisp, and even allowing for his unorthodox style of riding, there is also little doubt that as he began to panic and throw the kitchen sink at the big horse, all chance of lasting home was gone at that point. He made John Thorne look like Ruby Walsh.
Pitman will readily admit that he was partly to blame for Crisp’s defeat that day at Aintree and conceded some years later that his boss, the late Fred Winter, was also none too thrilled with the ride he gave Crisp either.
Gambling Only Pays When You're Winning
Yes, I’ve repeatedly heard Pitman say he struggled at the finish so to that extent his riding/fitness could be criticised. (Mind, it should be pointed out that Red Rum was truly tanking at the end and I’d have been surprised if anyone would really have resisted him considering the huge weight difference.)
However, the overall ride I’ve always thought was an excellent piece of opportunism. It’s just that if you get beat, you’re on the wrong side of history…one more length and Pitman would have been a genius!
Mike
Richard`s recollection of the latter part of Crisp`s career seems a bit hazy. I remember him saying on radio that the level weights beating of Red Rum was his last race. I thought I remembered his Witbread run. Many thanks to espn madrid for the chance to see a bit of it again.
Sorry – I meant espmadrid
No offence taken.
The Pilgarlic was one of my favourite National runners. Strange that the closest he got to winning was his worst finishing position in four attempts.
....and you've got to look a long way back for anything else.
I’ve completed my blog on Crisp as well as 4 other great Australian Jumpers.
If anyone would like to check it out, the link is listed below.Thanks again for the help and interest from the posters here.
Would he have entered into racing legend had he won the National that day? I don’t think he would..he would have become another tank of a horse like Troytown….well regarded but slightly forgotten.Either way, it makes me feel sorry for people that aren’t interested in racing and therefore don’t have moments like that etched on their souls
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