Cross Country Chase

[mj]

I agree with Alan that cross-country races at Cheltenham are boring to watch.

There seems to be no rhythm to these events at all – the horses just hack around until the final straight and then it becomes a sprint.

I think the problem with having them in Britain is that they need to be made as safe as possible to appease the animal-loving British public. This is achieved at Cheltenham by making the course so tight that it is impossible to maintain a strong gallop. Unfortunately, this detracts from the excitement of the race – the attraction of the Pardubice is that it is a genuine test of equine and human bravery.

Whether we like to admit it or not, the element of danger is what makes jump racing such a great spectacle. Remove that and you are left with something more akin to showjumping – interesting to those few who can fully understand and appreciate its technical demands, but lacking the thrill factor that will captivate the greater public.

[Jay Torbitt]

For about the fifth time over the past year or so, I will defend the CrossCountry Chase on here…

I love it, I think it provides variety and its soemthing different that both we and the horses can enjoy. And yes, if the Festival were to be lengthened to 4 days, then add a CrossCountry Chase as the feature race. Why not? Yes it may be a logistical nightmare getting crowds to the middle of the course on festival days, but its a great spectacle. The Sporting Index Chase was another classic race, and it generated a great finish up the hill (as usual) with some chunky prices. (Just unforunate Galapiat Du Mesnil wasn’t there, thats where my money was)

[Shaun]

The cross country race at Cheltenham was the only "race" I managed to watch, and I thought it was an enjoyable race to watch. It was different to the "normal" racing and had a very good finish too.

Any straying from the norm must generate some extra interest in many places, and is good for racing in my opinion.

As stated above, as long as it is an additional feature, I really cannot see any objections to running such a race at any time.

[Jim JTS]

I’m amazed that so many of you like this race but you are entitled to your opinion so I’ll leave it at that! :confused:

[Meshaheer]

2yo blue blood or a 14yo plodder over sticks – I don’t mind as long as it’s an exciting race that can get the heart racing!!!!!!

I love the X country race personally – a refreshing change from the norm. It’s not cruel to me, most of them loved it although it’s not every horses’ cup of tea.

[Katy]

Ha, how can it be cruel, the horses jump these fences better than they do hurdles.  Or should I say, most horses dont even jump hurdles but plough through them.  They are much better schooled and it seems to perk some of the "characters" up, I’m thinking Paddy’s Return here.

As far as I can remember no horses actually fell or were hurt during Fridays race, but later in the afternoon a horse was put down after falling on the flat (not sure if this is true but my friend said on monday she saw its leg swinging).<br>

[rory]

I believe there were a number of fatalities over the weekend at Cheltenham. David Howard could confirm whether his mount in the last race on Friday, Clodoald, did indeed escape unscathed from a melee at the turn away from the stands, as the Racing Post suggested, or whether, as those of us who saw him standing forlornly as the field turned into the back straight feared, he suffered a fatal injury.

[Author]

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