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Brilliant win today in the Lexus!! Please commentators don’t ever call him a “rogue” again!!!
From Racing Post: Although he will also be entered in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle, the Gold Cup seems a race well tailored to the particular strengths of the new Tidal Bay: tenacity, perseverance and apparently bottomless reserves of stamina.
It was only his incredible, almost obstinate courage – plus the daring horsemanship of Ruby Walsh – which saw him meet the line atop a pile of particularly able racehorses.
Tidal Bay – a great NH horse in my eyes. A loveable rogue yes – but his record over hurdles and fences ain’t too shabby is it.
Credit to the Nicholls team in getting him in peak condition today – and what a ride from Ruby!
I’d love to see him win the Gold Cup.
Although I had a feeling he would win I must admit that approaching the last I thought he’d had it … and as he landed I thought that’s that but then to come like he did between horses was totally thrilling!!! Hope he’s now tucked up in his stable and being treated like the KING he is!!! He has an incredible record – only 1 non-completion and won/placed in all but a few races (when he was 4th/5th and once 7th to Big Buck’s)- what a fantastic horse to be connected with.
Yes superb win. Always liked the horse and could never understand why Wylie kept his horses with H.Johnson for so long.
They seem to have flourished now he is gone and with different trainers.The race of the season so far for me. Wonderful finish.
Mike
I agree totally amazing. Pays a huge compliment to Bob’s Worth
Tidal Bay has always been a credit to his sport, but one who’s clearly had a screw loose more often than not over the recent years. What Paul Nicholls has done to him in 2012 however is beyond science. Shows just what a talent the horse has always been, but also just what an amazing trainer the great man truly is. Shame the two didn’t meet sooner.
The race of the season so far for me. Wonderful finish.
Mike
I agree totally amazing. Pays a huge compliment to Bob’s Worth
Wonder what goes on in his head? Maybe he could have brushed Bobs Worth aside if he felt like it
Yes superb win. Always liked the horse and could never understand why Wylie kept his horses with H.Johnson for so long.
They seem to have flourished now he is gone and with different trainers.Makes you wonder what could have been with Inglis Drever, Arcalis, Grey Abbey, Direct Route, Bewleys Berry, Lord Transcend, Morcelli etc etc etc
Tidal Bay? TRF veterans will already know I’ve never rated this enigmatic equine professor. Completely overrated!
And TAPK feels exactly the same way…
The truth is I’ve always loved this chap. I went on record a few years ago saying that, in the 20 years I have followed this sport, only Kauto Star and Master Minded possessed more ability over fences.
I don’t know how many horses have won an Arkle and a ‘Whitbread’, but two successive defeats as a second season chaser still stand out for me. He finished a well beaten second to Champion Chaser Master Minded in the Tingle Creek, but was still upsides proven high class two miler – the late Twist Magic – when that one came to grief. Three weeks later he turned up in the Rowland Meyrick over three miles and a furlong on testing ground, and found giving 18lb to an in-form Nozic a bit too much. However, he gave the third and fourth that day – Cloudy Lane and State Of Play – 10lb and 14lb, respectively.
Since his Arkle success, Tidal Bay has become a dual Grade Two winner over hurdles, carried top weight to victory in a ‘Whitbread’, finished runner-up in a Hennessy off top weight, runner-up in a Tingle Creek and has now won the Grade One Lexus Chase.
I have to question those who think Ruby Walsh has a better chance in the Gold Cup with Silviniaco Conti. I’m not convinced the Betfair Chase winner will be as effective in top class races on an undulating track, while Tidal Bay loves the place and has limitless stamina. If the ground came up soft I know which one I’d rather be on.
He jumps for fun these days – I’ve never seen him so foot perfect and fluent – and that is where his improvement has come from.
Well done, Tiddles!
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