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Ok just sounded like you were having a dig and given that racing needs people like JP, I thought it was a bit of a cheap shot. No offence intended on my part.
Good result for horse and connections.
However, hope that they dont go to the well to often with the horse, hope to see the horse come back next year as good as ever.
Ok just sounded like you were having a dig and given that racing needs people like JP, I thought it was a bit of a cheap shot. No offence intended on my part.
Not trying to have a dig at JP, well, may be just a little bit of one. Am sure he can take it. I just far prefer seeing horses win big handicaps because they’re improving and excellent attitude (like Hunt Ball). Rather than "characters" who only win because they’ve been dropped to a winable mark (like Alfie Sherrin). Respect JP for putting in a lot of Euros in to the game. Racing does certainly need the likes of JP. Didn’t mean to cause any offence and none taken EF.
Value Is EverythingOk just sounded like you were having a dig and given that racing needs people like JP, I thought it was a bit of a cheap shot. No offence intended on my part.
Not trying to have a dig at JP, well, may be just a little bit of one. Am sure he can take it. I just far prefer seeing horses win big handicaps because they’re improving and excellent attitude (like Hunt Ball). Rather than "characters" who only win because they’ve been dropped to a winable mark (like Alfie Sherrin). Respect JP for putting in a lot of Euros in to the game. Racing does certainly need the likes of JP. Didn’t mean to cause any offence and none taken EF.
Hasnt it always been he case that McManus and his associates (be it his racing manager/trainers/jockeys etc) actually enjoy "plotting one up", in the same way Sir Mark Prescott or Tony Martin do? I am sure if he had lots of Grade 1 contenders he would be compared with the Gigginstown operation – who, as we found out in recent interviews, specifically aim to house top class animals and arent interested in having handicap coups. However he seems to have a greater number of lesser graded horses in his string, and they are often handicapped according to their owner/trainer as much as their ability and so it is necessary to work the system to gain a winnable mark. I know this is probably annoying to a lot of people, but we all know the typical profile of a McManus horse who will end up with the "tenderly handled" comment and should factor that into our bets accordingly.
That said the Hunt Ball sorty is the stuff of dreams, and I so hope the animal continues on the improve and contests the Gold Cup next year.
Yes, a fantastic fairytale. Is his climb up the handicap ratings unprecedented?
Venn Ottery springs to mind
Trainer deserves a lot of recognition. Lost Sparky May, which must have been a big blow but has trained ten winners from a limited number of horses with Hunt Ball being the flagship horse.
A great story and who knows, could be a genuine Gold Cup contender?
Also, loved the trainer’s celebrations at Chelters – he really wants to bash those evil bookies
Zip
The current edition of Mackenzie and Harris rates him 9-4 with a squiggle on his point to point runs for the Brookshaw family last year.
It says that he "only beat one rival for his new connections before contesting a novice chase at Cheltenham in April and needs to target more realistic events on a more regular basis".
As recently as 3/2/11 he was pulled up in a Hunter Chase at Wincanton having gone off at 80/1 !
Exactly a year ago tomorrow he ran at Buckfastleigh in an Intermediate Point to Point and finished last of 4 finishers having gone off at 22/1.
Quite the most extraordinary turn around I can ever remember.
Absolutely fantastic story, a real heartwarmer!
I know Gord has posted it on his thread in daily lays and plays, but I saw it earlier elsewhere aswell and for those who didn’t see it in there or on attheraces yesterday a fantastic interview here with owner Anthony Knott….absorbing viewing!!
Certainly a horse and a story that deserves it’s own thread.
He’s a great traveler but he must have lost a good few lengths with some really novicy jumping that would have put an end to an awful lot of horses.
The toe he showed really shocked me. He looked the most likely winner going to the 2nd last but no way did I think he would win like that.
His owner won’t sleep much this next year as he’ll be dreaming about Gold Cup’s and why not?
New era new horses and if he goes the right way who knows?
Incredible story. Just incredible
But he has no chance of winning the Gold Cup. He won’t stay.
Should be aimed at the Ryanair for a place.
His owner and trainer seem to disagree. Why would you think that, did you research it or just stab a wild guess ?
Connections, as far as I can make out, have no intentions at this time at aiming the horse for the Ryanair.
He showed absolutely no signs of stopping at Cheltenham.
I’d say the further they went the better he went
I believe they supplemented him for the Gold Cup before setting their sight lower?
Owner is thinking about running him in the Grand National
Same Sire as RSA winner Boston’s Angel
The Dam prodigy has won several races and there are indications that they are future staying types. Western Rose won 2 hurdle races for Adrien McGuire before going to Joseph O’Brien who stepped her up 4 furlongs after her first race for him to 1m6f on the flat
There are plenty reasons for the connections to think he’ll stay and they haven’t been wrong so far.
Ok just sounded like you were having a dig and given that racing needs people like JP, I thought it was a bit of a cheap shot. No offence intended on my part.
Not trying to have a dig at JP, well, may be just a little bit of one. Am sure he can take it. I just far prefer seeing horses win big handicaps because they’re improving and excellent attitude (like Hunt Ball). Rather than "characters" who only win because they’ve been dropped to a winable mark (like Alfie Sherrin).
A little one My A*se,I suppose
Get me out of Here
was a handicap plot horse with top weight!
And dont forget the little fella with the heart of a Lion Ginge,he’s won three Nationals with erm top weight too! I wont insult your ‘obsession’ with Timeform but as the alcoholic says….I need a Whiskey to operate! What a great effort from this horse today, even with such a step up in class and company.
Excellent first Grade 1 performance.
I thought he looked a bit jaded to be honest Gareth. He’s rooted one fence but came straight back on the bridle but the usual zip finish just wasn’t there.
I am not knocking him quite the opposite.
You can’t put it down to being outclassed as virtually nothing ran it’s race hence we ended up with a 50/1 shot winning the race.
I reckon we can safely assume he was over the top and we have a high class prospect to look forward to next season
And dont forget the little fella with the heart of a Lion Ginge,he’s won three Nationals with erm top weight too! 
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