- This topic has 6 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 13 years, 8 months ago by
.
- Posts
I have been a long standing fan of the late and great Sea Pigeon for the last 36 years. Just seen an entry on Wiki that he was with Pat Rohan for a short time after he retired in 1982. Does anyone have any info on this please? Also, any info on public appearances during his retirement would be welcome. Many thanks.
Sea Pigeon was one of my favourite horses back in the 1970s and early 1980s and his tussles with Birds Nest and Night Nurse made for memorable viewing. His battles with Monksfield also dominated many races.
Cheltenham exploits in the Champion Hurdle, which he won in 1980 and 1981, and in other races such as the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle were what helped fire my enthusiasm for racing.
I even had a poster of Sea Pigeon on my wall when I was a student.
It was great to see Sea Pigeon score in many other races and his victories under Jonjo O’Neill and John Francome at Cheltenham have become classics.
It was great that Sea Pigeon had his moments of glory on the Flat, notably in the Ebor at York under topweight with Jonjo in 1979 but a television strike deprived us of seeing the great horse win the Ebor. He also won the Chester Cup twice in 1977 and 1978.
Trainer Peter Easterby and owner Pat Muldoon became great ambassadors for the sport through their associations with Sea Pigeon. Those famous colours steaming to victory so many times brightened up many a day.http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2 … 90,5553423
Horsey,
See this link, if it works. I’m not good with a poota
Sea Pigeon stayed in the Malton area, at Slingsby, for more than 12 years after his retirement. According to the lady who had him, he never competed in anything, he was too strong-willed. All he did was receive visitors and make promotional trips out. He remained with her until his death, and there is apparently a small memorial plaque to him in Slingsby village.
I saw Sea Pigeon a number of times in his later years at the Malton Open Day in the late 90’s.
He paraded regularly on the gallops along with the likes of Night Nurse, Jodami and Desert Orchid.Just looking at the programme from 96 the commentary was done by Richard Hoiles (SIS) and Tom O’Ryan.
I remember well seeing Sea Pigeon in his box at 2000 Open Day aged 30, he looked old, as you would expect but superb.
Sadly that was only few weeks before the old boy was put to sleep after irreparably damaging a pedal bone.Great hurdler, and although finishing 7th to Morston in the 1973 Derby, he didn’t quite reach the dizzy heights of his more illustrious sire on the the flat.
But then, few have.
Gambling Only Pays When You're Winning
Great horse from a truly great era for hurdlers. Night Nurse was my own all time favourite hurdler, and got to see both great horses at Malton on my 18th birthday. Great times, R.I.P. both of you.
What a horse.
His CH victories and Ebor with Jonjo dropping his hands have been documented.
My favourite moment. Tennant Trophy at Ayr 1M 7F so arguably further than the Pigeons optimum flat trip. HRAC brings up a three year old owned by Dr Carlo Vittadini for what was a decent prize in those days. Sea Pigeon runs it to a neck, giving it 27lb IIRC. The Cecil horse?….. Le Moss, subsequent multiple Ascot Gold Cup winner.
What a horse.
Stewart
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.