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Since it got a mention, here’s the Moonlit Path saga as detailed on TRF at the time:
I found the whole sorry episode to have left a bad taste in the mouth. I had to ditch a Facebook group I was in, as most people were defending him to the hilt, and they were getting angry at the mere suggestion that there was something wrong in the yard. They’re clearly is something wrong, and it’s actually a relief to see no defense of the yard in here.
I’ve always been a fan of Dan Skelton, but his attitude was very poor at best, and it’s him who needs educating. He was still spouting off about it yesterday, and it’s put him in a very poor light as well.
I think I should probably add that I’m not talking out of my pocket, as I have no money invested in any of the races which were affected.
“He worked great…”
“Last year was different….”
“Better than ever….”This is part of an article from November 23rd:
Last season’s Gold Cup runner-up Santini is expected to return in the Many Clouds Chase at Aintree on December 5, the same day on which Altior is due to make his reappearance in the Tingle Creek at Sandown.
Of Altior, the trainer added: “He’s all set for Sandown on Saturday week, absolutely.
“He’s in really good form, he galloped at Newbury last week and was good. He schooled the other day – frightening.”
On the 18th he told the press:
It’s all systems go for Altior with Nicky Henderson priming the 10-year-old to regain his two-mile chasing crown when he returns in next month’s Tingle Creek at Sandown.
Altior had an interrupted season and missed the Cheltenham Festival in March due to a minor setback but Henderson reports that “the spark is still there” ahead of his seasonal return on December 5.
“The spark is there. If you’d seen him school last week, you’ve never seen anything like it. He was the fastest thing to cross a fence you’ve ever seen. On good ground he’s terrifying to watch,” Henderson said of the 10-time Grade One winner.
When I saw the rain yesterday thought it might happen
Henderson did warn about the going too and also said that in hindsight shouldn’t have run against Cryname last year and it took him a long time to recover.Gaelic Warrior Gold Cup Winner 2026
Big kudos to Paul Nicholls: hardly ever a small field graded race or novice chase goes by where he isn’t at least represented and earning a slice of the pie for his owners. Politologue and Greaneteen 11/8 and 2/1 in a 5 runner £70,000 race now – great work! He even stole a Champion Chase with old Politologue through pure moxy and hustle.
As a neutral, I think he’s the man you’d like to see get the good horses. There were ups and downs along the way but he wasn’t afraid to go to the well with See More Business, Kauto Star, Big Buck’s, Master Minded etc. And they seem to stand up to their racing for him as well.
And none of the theatrics and messing around when something goes wrong. There wasn’t even a wobble on the exchange before Ladbrokes Trophy fav Topofthegame was scratched the other week: officially scratched, then press announcement – very tight ship.
Even with Altior last night, Henderson spoke to the PA and Unibet BEFORE doing the key thing for betting interests: MAKE THE HORSE AN OFFICIAL NR. Altior wasn’t officially removed from the Tingle Creek by his trainer until 07.14 this morning.
Henderson never learns, does he? No problem with him taking Altior out but he should follow the correct procedure.
I suppose we could see Altior at Christmas but I doubt he is going to get nice, good ground at Ascot in the middle of January.
Henderson never learns, does he? No problem with him taking Altior out but he should follow the correct procedure.
And none of the theatrics and messing around when something goes wrong. There wasn’t even a wobble on the exchange before Ladbrokes Trophy fav Topofthegame was scratched the other week: officially scratched, then press announcement – very tight ship.
Even with Altior last night, Henderson spoke to the PA and Unibet BEFORE doing the key thing for betting interests: MAKE THE HORSE AN OFFICIAL NR. Altior wasn’t officially removed from the Tingle Creek by his trainer until 07.14 this morning.
Fully agree with both of you… It was a good decision for the horse, as it always is, but looking back at Binocular and the rest of the bunch you always wonder why it has to be the same stable again and again.
He done the right thing regard the horse but
Yes absolutely, he does it backwards
was it Zarkava on here that called him “criminal Nicky”Gaelic Warrior Gold Cup Winner 2026
Totally understand the slating of henderson here, it is mind boggling and people annoyed at his obsession with Cheltenham.
However, there is a big double standard here and that’s with Willie Mullins and Al Boum Photo, he’s the dual gold cup winner and we get to see him in a **** race at Tramore once a season before Cheltenham for 3 seasons in a row.
Atleast henderson is debating running them atleast twice before CheltenhamAtleast henderson is debating running them.
Hmm, I actually prefer the Al Boum approach from a communication point of view. He says in the stable tour at the start of the season Tramore then Cheltenham and doesn’t faff about making entries and going on about how the horse is schooling so fabulously yada yada.
Not saying that he hasn’t faffed and talked up entries that disappear with other horses before, but at least he is sending good horses to run against each other in the John Durkan.
Henderson getting a kicking from Barry Orr of Betfair on RTV now. He is not happy that Henderson said only one day matters and says he has been disrespectful to the Tingle Creek. I agree with him if Henderson did indeed say that.
Interesting to hear the Betfair rep on Racing TV criticising Henderson for saying that only the Champion Chase matters.
And good on Lydia Hislop for not shirking the subject, even asking what the effect on the levy will be from Altior’s withdrawal.
What bugs me with Mullins (and also the O’Briens on the flat) is how they are always the last to confirm jockeys at final decs. Why are the rules different for them? Why do they have to push the limits all the time?
It’s often obvious who’ll ride what but sometimes it isn’t. Derby Trials, big handicap hurdles etc – often impossible for bookies to get them back up and start pricing until that information is out there.
Interesting to hear the Betfair rep on Racing TV criticising Henderson for saying that only the Champion Chase matters.
And good on Lydia Hislop for not shirking the subject, even asking what the effect on the levy will be from Altior’s withdrawal.
The same Lydia Hislop who’s been running a “Road To Cheltenham” podcast since the middle of November.
Mike
His biggest fairy tale is saying Santini can win a GC
Pick 3 on Saturday champion 2025/2026
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