Today 50th anniversary of greatest ever flat race

[harshthakor]

Today on 26TH July the horses racing world commemorates the 50th anniversary of the 1975 running of Ascot’s King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes, a contest that was testament to the greatness of horse racing as a sport. This July 26th also commemorates 75th edition of this super classic race, first won by Supreme Court in 1951.
Even though 50 years have elapsed since it took place, memories of the Ascot clash of Grundy and Bustino in the 1975 running of the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes are still embedded in the minds of racegoers and shimmer like an inextinguishable star. It was given the accolade as the Race of the Century, chronicling the glory of Horse racing as a sport like no other flat race.
Chronicling the course of this race gives the sensation of the climax of classic novel or epic film. The race symbolised competitive spirit, battle for Supremacy, intensity and entertainment, scaling regions untranscended in sport, comprising one of the most nail biting and enthralling tussles in annals of sport. It was the ultimate mascot of the sheer thrill and majestic aura of the sport of horseracing and a testament to how equine athletes could create the magnetic effect of Olympic athletes or Hollywood stars. The race also was the ultimate epitome of fusion of class and courage of equine machines.

Proceedings of Race

At the start, Bustino leaped out like a greyhound., leading the pack for a few strides. Then ‘Highest’ hit the front, to set a scorching pace before Kinglet took over at about halfway. With half a mile to go, Bustino cruised into the lead with Grundy in hot pursuit, the contest ending with a breathtaking and highly intense tussle up the straight, putting spectators on the edge of their seats. It is hard for any adjective to do justice to the sheer intensity of the duel, reminiscent of a boxing bout.
Highest set the initial pace with a blistering gallop before Kinglet replaced him as a pacemaker. Star Appeal was now second, with Bustino and Grundy trailing behind. Soon Kinglet indicated signs of weakening and Mercer, pushed Bustino to the front as they passed the half-mile pole.
Bustino raced speedily towards the home turn, and Pat Eddery on Grundy – unable give his mount a vital breather was virtually forced to send the triple Classic winner in hot pursuit. Grundy came off the bridle to overtake Star Appeal and Eddery ‘s heart was in his mouth in his bid to reduce the three-length advantage held by Bustino as he turned round the bend into the short straight.
Two furlongs from home, Bustino was two lengths clear of Grundy, with Dahlia and On My Way not far behind but never for one moment looking in contention. With elan Mercer rode Bustino with hands and heels, refraining from using the whip on a horse who was not giving away the slightest inch. Pat Eddery on Grundy resorted to the whip. “I thought I’d never get to him,” said Eddery afterwards. “Every time I got nearer, he kept finding more.”
With half a mile to go, Bustino cruised into the lead with Grundy in hot pursuit, the contest ending with a breathtaking and highly intense tussle up the straight, putting spectators on the edge of their seats. It is hard for any adjective to do justice to the sheer intensity of the duel, reminiscent of a boxing bout.
It was only at the furlong pole that Grundy finally got within touching distance of Bustino. Dahlia was a distant third, Jockey Eddery triggered the little chestnut’s head into the lead; which looked the defining moment. Still Bustino clawed back gallantly. As Grundy advanced, Bustino rallied, taping on every possible reserve of energy and instinct.
Grundy advanced by a neck. Bustino clawed back, reducing the gap. For a hundred yards the race hung on razors edge. Then Bustino faltered, veering towards the rail, the spirit still willing but the flesh weak, and Grundy secured a half-length advantage which he maintained till the finish.
A new course record had been set. The efforts of Highest and Kinglet, and then of Grundy and Bustino, had lowered the previous mark by two and a half seconds; Dahlia, five lengths away in third, also beat the old record. The pace set played a major role in dictating proceedings.
Had Bustino triumphed racegoers may have been critical of the tactics used in his support. However, Grundy waged an unwavering battle in an attritional struggle, after which neither horse won again.
Bustino must be given due credit for laying the ground towards Grundy registering a course record.
Years later, Mercer disclosed he thought he was going to win with two furlongs adrift, but Bustino, his jockey said, changed his legs with a furlong to run which paved way for Grundy to draw besides him and, ultimately, win by a half-length at the line.

Significant that the race virtually emptied the petrol tank of both Grundy and Bustino, exhausting all their reserves of energy. Grundy finished fourth in his subsequent and lats race while Bustino never raced again. The horses had undergone such an attritional duel that both horses were physically diminished by its demands.
The 1975 King George defies the usual conventions about no-one remembering who comes second. After the race, Lady Beaverbrook said of Bustino that “he filled me with pride as well as with heartache.

For not only has no-one forgotten the horse who finished second, but common consent has accorded him an equal credit as the winner. When people discuss the race, they do not equate it as Grundy’s King George, but Grundy-and-Bustino, always one complementing the other, the half-length that separated them on the track establishing an inseparable bond.

[Author]

Posts