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Hasn’t Jamie Spencer already won over hurdles in England for Barney Curley – about 2 years ago I think.
The Racing Post’s records don’t go far enough back – Isty would have to be his second winner then!
I wonder if Barney Curley would be prepared to back Istabraq – after all he’ll be able to get inside info. from Jamie Spencer!;)
Thank you Aidan for responding,
however I disagree with you.
You can be certain that Micky Fitz (or whoever the jockey is) will visit Yogi Breisner to try and ensure there isnt a fiundimental flaw in Bachannal’s approach to chasing, or build confidence in this partnership
This is what Istabraq should have done, or even preferably raced, rather than walk walk, swim, … more swimming, gallop, more gentle gallops, then appear in a non consequential gallop on the racecourse just before Cheltenham.
Colin, couldnt agree with you more, there may a logical reason, however If I wanted to take 7/4 on the horse, I’d like some assurances that the problems in the horses jumping are ironed out (especially that the partnership has had a pop over obstacles). I’d also like to know whether the horse has been held up in his prep, because as I stated before, istabraq’s preparation had included more racecourse experience, and O’Brien’s comments going into the race in October suggested he was more forward … "The horse is OK" or "well in himself" isnt quite enough though that journalists for you.
Sentiment shouldn’t come into the equation, though I fully appreciate these exceptional circumstances…
let be honest, I dont think he still has it, but I wouldnt begrudge him if he proved me wrong.
You do not need a NH licence to gallop a horse over 5 furlongs. Barney Curley would not have inside information as Spencer does not work him bar the odd spare ride such as at galway this year.
<br>elderberry
yes i am sure you are correct he won in a hurdle race as ascot at quite a good price i cant recall the name of the horse it was gambled on earlier in the season and fell at cheltenham the horse is still in training with len lungo (or at least a well known trainer up north)
prince regent
the horse was magic combination.  He is with Len Lungo now and was well beaten at haydock last saturday.  <br>According to racingpost database Spencer won twice on the horse over hurdles in Jan. and Feb. ’99.  Spencer was also on the horse when he landed a gamble at the ’98 Galway festival.
I was wondering about that all right!!! Jamie Spencer rode Ned Kelly at two work outs in Punchestown each time very impressive.<br> AS for Istabraq Rook as usual you make some good points.But there is a big difference with Baccahanal and Istabraq.Firstly Istabraq has been doing his job for a few years now while Baccahanal has been chasing for a relatively short time especially when you consider the interuptions with foot and mouth.Bac will gain much more from intensive schooling than Istabraq would as he has alot more to learn.<br> I dont believe there is a problem with Charile and Istabraq…………….I dont agree he’s lost his ability or nerve……………his ride on Bannow Bay to beat Limestone Lad was as good as ever.Simply brilliant.<br> You ask whether the horse has been held up in his work?Absolutely nothing O’Brien MacManus or Swan has said would lead anyone to think this. Its just the papers………………O’Brien told the Irish Times catagorically denying the horse had arthritis and went on to say if there was anything ever wrong with the horse he would tell us.That is good enough for me.Obviously not for others.
Aidan, i don’t think Swan has lost his nerve. I’m talking about him being NERVOUS when riding Istabraq.
He is still a very high class jockey but I think he gets a little tense when riding Istabraq. Who wouldn’t? Not many.
Swan won’t be so nervous at Cheltenham but i’m damn sure he was nervous when riding towards the last at Leopardstown the last few times that Isty has run there.
The point i’ve been trying to make is that I do not believe it is Istabraq’s jumping that is the problem, i just think there has been a lack of connection between Swan and the horse – i think they’ll be fine at Cheltenham as Charlie’s never fallen off Isty there!
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