- This topic has 14 replies, 15 voices, and was last updated 10 years, 11 months ago by
.
- Posts
With American Pharaoh’s tilt at the triple crown barely registering on the UK media richter scale, I got to wondering about what truly is the world’s greatest race. Is it still the Derby (was it ever the Derby?) or has it been eclipsed by the Arc, the Breeders Cup Classic, Melbourne Cup, Grand National or some other event?
The World’s greatest for 3 year olds. Any horse 4+ or any gelding cannot qualify so in terms of quality definitely not.
It’s a great event, and one that should be treasured, but not the world’s greatest race. Probably a little harsh but in summary it’s a race that attracts largely immature animals on a track that’s on the slant.
The Prix De L’Arc De Triomphe is by its nature going to be a stronger race as it brings together all ages and the three-year-old brigade are a little more mature later on in the season.
Rob
As Rob says, Arc will always be a better race ratings-wise. Older horses involved too and comes at the best time of year, once many have progressed.
Value Is EverythingHow can a race exclusively for 3-y-os at a ridiculously idiosyncratic course be one of the top 50 races worldwide, let alone the greatest?
Slightly off topic but if the Derby was no longer on terrestrial television would it still have such acclaim?
I have to put my hands up, I’m a jumps man through and through, so I’m biased. I enjoy Derby Day, I’m not into all the pomp and other crap, not to mention scaring the s**t out of skittish 3yr old horses horses with a bloody brass band!, but it is unique and there is a feeling of occasion. The Arc is a race that I love every bit as much, having backed Treve the last two years, and there are races that make you stay up half the night, such as the Melboure Cup. I get a better feel for that one than the first two.
I think there is nothing to beat the roar that goes up when the starter sets them off in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, it puts the hairs on the back of my neck up. It gets my vote every time, but then as I said, I am biased
I prefer the arc alot more. After the arc it’s probably the king george in terms of 12f races. The derby isn’t all that to me. Superlative labels suck.
In the sense that it is a race for 3yos only, it has never been the world’s greatest race.
I am "The Horse Racing Punter" on Facebook
https://mobile.twitter.com/Ian_Davies_
https://www.facebook.com/ThePointtoPointNHandFlatracingpunter/
It's the "Millwall FC" of Point broadcasts: "No One Likes Us - We Don't Care"I think it is still a great event but unfortunately we don’t find out till much later if it’s been a great race. Australia was joint top European rated horse last year so it was a good one.where will golden horn end up in the ratings. We will see at the end of the season.if he met gleneagles in the champion stakes it would be close but I think gleneagles would be just too quick for him.all about opinions of course.
The Derby is the gold standard for breeders but the Arc is the greatest race in the World
– bar none ! It’s the all age champion of champions’ race . The Melbourne is a two mile
donkey derby handicap by comparison ; and the Kentucky Dirbee is an anti clockwise 1O furlong
whirl in the dirt for blinkers wearing steroidal aided beasts .
Gambling Only Pays When You're Winning
It’s reputation would, in my view, be greatly enhanced, if we saw some of its winners run as mature horses. Mr Oppenheimer says GH will almost certainly be sent to stud at the end of the season. If you had his money, wouldn’t you love to have a horse of such talent running in your colours for as long as soundness and temperament held out?
Slightly off-piste but was in Newquay for a Stag Do last weekend and the William Hill window display was about the Champions League final.
It was Derby Day you know!
At least the pub showed the race itself (albeit with no sound as not to interrupt the sensible pop songs being played in the background).
Cheers
Sean
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.