Too Forward

[Ten Plus]

This 14 years old true warrior – he had raced every year since his first appearance in October 2000 – just got his nose in front at Wincanton this afternoon and then very sadly collapsed and died walking back to the unsaddling … hard to believe as he looked so good when he pulled up initially after the race – RIP – hope you didn’t suffer too much. Sorry for all concerned – especially his stable lass/lad who has to face an empty stable tomorrow.

[thebroons]

what a shame thats sooooo sad rest in peace old warrior

[pilgarlic]

Very sorry to hear that. Had a long career interruption through injury but came back really well over fences. To my mind it`s a poor reflection of the handicapper that this genuine old boy would have had to carry 11-12 today without his conditional`s claim even though his last win was two year ago. Condolences to those involved.

[graysonscolumn]

I’m not sure the gelding hadn’t been in receipt of due assistance from the assessor recently, Pilgarlic. He was dropped 7lb since his last run to 125, his lowest chasing mark for a few days shy of five years and all of 19lb below his last winning mark (in a Listed Cheltenham handicap) two year back.

Of course, if the issue was solely one of weight carriage, connections still had the option of entering him in a 0-130+ or better and hoping something smack on the ratings ceiling could assume top weight, rather than turning him out here in a 0-125. I can’t say I thought he looked horribly burdened under today’s imposte, though, or appeared to be carrying it home under sufferance.

Ultimately, whatever we might think one way or the other, Too Forward’s passing is first and foremost a very, very sad loss for all involved (including trainer Jamie Snowden and owner Richard Pitman, who took the gelding on just months short of his 13th birthday last season), and I naturally extend my condolences to them.

gc

Jeremy Grayson. Son of immigrant. Adoptive father of two. Metadata librarian. Freelance point-to-point / horse racing writer, analyst and commentator wonk. Loves music, buses, cats, the BBC Micro, ale. Advocate of CBT, PACE and therapeutic parenting. Aspergers.

[mort]

Does anyone know if Charlie Tipple was okay today after his fall? Thanks.[/color:1pb815xp]

[darwengray]

A sad but perhaps fitting end to a splendid horse who always did his best .

[Author]

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