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In 100 yaers of it’s history the Cheltenham Gold cup has witnessed tussles, turnarounds or upsets which would be a permanent part of a sporting museum, taking sporting rivalry or competiveness to magnitude intensity rarely transcended .Few sporting events match or surpass the sheer intensity ,competitiveness , very joy radiated or it’s legacy .
In 1973 when the Dikler caught the favourite Pendil just nearing the winning post or Dawn Run literally repeated history when catching Wayward Lad in 1986 ,near the winning post. They reminded one of a 360 degree turn in plot of an epic novel or movie, with a complete twist and turn. Few races or sporting events have ever had such dramatic change in fortunes, as in the final part in the hill at Cheltenham.
in 1989, Desert Orchid or ‘Dessie’ took both class and combative spirit to depths rarely scaled and pulled the public like footballer Pele. The manner “Dessie’ caught and overtook Yahoo who had hit the front on entering the final straight, personified combativeness courage or relentless spirit at it’s superlative height. Notably, he was the first Grey coloured horse, to win the Blue Riband event.In 1990, Norton Coin, triumphed in the Gold cup, carrying odds of 100-1, something unprecedented.
Golden Miller’s epic tussle with Thommo 2 in 1935, Best Mate’s staving of Rembrandt by a mere half a length ,Arkle beating Mill House in 1964, Silver Fame wining battle over Greenogue in 1951,Fort Leney nosing The Laird in 1968 and Cool Ground nosing rival The Fellow by a mere short head projected intensity in sporting rivalry in zones very rarely transcended.For sheer courage none would surpass Mandarin’s heroic resurrection after the last fence in 1962, with very close behind Desert Orchid overtaking Yahoo in 1989 and Dawn Run passing Wayward lad in 1986.
I would always cherish memories of both Pas Seul in 1960 and Tied Cottage in 1980, who brilliantly resurrected to glory after falling at the last fence when leading the previous year.My list in order of merit
1. Golden Miller in 1935
2. Arkle in 1964
3. Dawn Run in 1986
4. The Dikler in 1973
5.Desert Orchid in 1989
6. Denman in 20008
7. Best Mate in 2004
8. Mandarin in 1962
9. Silver Fame in 1951
10.Tied Cottage in 1980(disqualified-Master Smudge awarded race)
11. Cool Ground in 1994
12. Bregawn in 1983My favourite Gold Cup is 2011 when Long Run won. Not because I think it was the best quality renewal, but because we finally got to see Kauto Star and Denman going head to head round the final turn.
Both horses were nearing the end of their careers, and had experienced many ups and downs by this point, but it was one of the most heartwarming and exhilarating sights I have ever seen in racing.
Most memorable for me would have to be Desert Orchid a fantastic jumper who got up in tough conditions. What a horse he was.
The more I know the less I understand.
I bought both the book and the playing cards, although the latter will be purely for display.
Disappointed with some of inclusions and ommissions. I am convinced that if Looks Like Trouble hadn’t have gone wrong, Best Mate wouldn’t have won any Gold Cups. They were poor editions. As a winner of two Gold Cups, L’Escargot should be on the list, as should Captain Christy. Possibly the most glaring is Burrough Hill Lad. That was a top class race against Brown Chamberlin. I would have Burrough Hill Lad, Desert Orchid, and Carvill’s Hill as the best three chasers from the last 40 odd years.
That said none of them have a record to compare with Arkle. So lucky he ran in the 60’s when you couldn’t avoid running in handicaps, something Kauto Star made a career out of doing.
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