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Come on Specioza!
I agree with Sir Harry in that she will be ahead at the 2 pole, but desparately hope she stays in the lead until the line. Why is it there are always more doubts about horses from the smaller stables?
McCoy is a different class! What determination and drive. The job is about winning, not being stylish – McCoy is a winner.
Pipe supplies plenty of ammo, anyone can be Champ riding for Pipe…..did Bridgwater achieve it?<br>
Good point Paul. We all know the Ramsdens get stuck in, though how many backed ones win??
I would be interested to see the results for DJ Wintle as he doesn’t often leave the dosh behind when he goes in, saw one win a mile last Saturday.<br>
“Istabraq was a natural from the day we first started schooling him. He always did everything we asked of him right through his career, and he never disappointed us. He has given us unbelievable moments and memories, and we will cherish these for ever.â€ÂÂ
Kathy, you certainly have the bit between your teeth on this one!
I have to admit that I am not 100% happy with the whole situation though have a few thoughts….
1.  I would agree with Esc and John Mc in that AOB was pretty clear in the build up and did not put any punters away. If you wanted to listen to what he said then you could not back Ista.
This can be taken a couple of ways…..a…they were trying their hand one more time for history in hope only (very possible)…….b……they were going, knowing the horse had no chance and putting on a final show (I have also heard Kathy’s rumour from the course)
2.  I know jack about horses running and fitness, however from Tatts and the big screen (assume these are the same as Channel 4 pictures) it was clear Ista was beat after jumping the first. The horse was unable to hold its position in behind the leaders. Again, I have no idea about horse-flesh – whether this was due to a clear injury or jockeyship I have no idea! (Esc – I have to disagree with you on the pictures, though share your concerns as a whole)
3.  8/1 was certainly available for the horse being pulled up as a novelty bet. I very much doubt anyone got £100k on at that price – this is a wind-up and can be ignored.
4.  Arguments about JP McManus not being interested in a few extra thousand here or there. If he is not interested in cash, why does he keep backing these horses?? The buzz? Surely he would get this from owning the horse. I find this hard to believe this guy is not interested in cash when he can put £100,000 on a 7/4 shot.
4. I have to agree with all the comments in the newspaper article posted above. MC Pipe would have a real grilling…..there seems to be a taboo around knocking the ‘great’ Istabraq and connections. I for one wanted Ista to win and see history in the making and was very disappointed with the outcome of the race. I also backed the horse for reasons known only to my heart. only with a small amount as I would like to have said I backed it in its final win in the race.<br> <br>5.  Is it coincidence that Barry Dennis’ name also appeared in that article? Kathy, do you know if the guy who tipped you off is a good mate of Barry’s? (I would not be surprised)
6.  I find it quite hard to blame either trainer for putting anyone away,or bookies cashing in as the trainer was very clear in his interviews and PR around the horse that it would not win. The bookies, well who can blame them for cashing in after 2 nice Irish winners in the first to races.
It certainly is an interesting topic and I have to agree with Kathy that a lot of what we are discussing in one race takes place many times a day. How many times are 2 year olds, bumper horses, horses waiting for handicaps really tuned up to run on their merits???
We all know part of this game is second-guessing who is, and who is not trying 100% to win any given race…..<br>the whole world knew about the Pipe horses and are any of us really that surprised about Istabraq??<br>(I’m not and I commented that 8/1 looked a big price in the morning as they were always likely to look after the horse…..why did I not back it you might ask? Well, for the same reason as why I backed the horse to win, heart and emotions ruling head.)
7.  Why is there no clear press coverage on the same lines as our forum????
–  they know it is just unfortunate the horse was injured and therefore there is no news……..?<br>-  there is a real stink, however no-one has clear evidence and do not fancy hefty lawyers bills, so are keeping quiet…..?<br>-  for once, the Brits have build someone/thing up and are being polite enough not to pull it down (for once….look out Will Young)
<br>I think this is touching on the, is racing bent question???<br>Sadly, this time it is in full view of the public and around a national hero so the subject is ever more touchy……<br>who knows about the Ista saga, though for the record I’m pretty sure that racing in general is about as straight as the Pop Idol chap mentioned above….
PS – I also backed Darapour that was pulled up and did not try a jot….no arguments as whilst I was gathering all the 25/1 I could find it was pissing it down outside…and would never have won on the ground as it turned out..<br>
Beard, I agree this would be the biggest ‘if’, however I <br>would disagree in that Baracouda won easily with Douman showboating…..my opinion is he would have also asked Baracouda a little earlier, drawn alongside a tad later and still won cosily….this horse was impressive with a very cool ride (it pains me to say it!)
ps – Did anyone else have this as race of the Festival, with the Supreme a close second???
What an interesting thread. I’ve been looking forward to seeing this since last Tuesday.
I had the pleasure of being at Cheltenham and seeing the (non-event) Champion Hurdle.
I’m particularly interested that Kathy raised the question as (the rumour) was exactly what I had heard from a bookmaker on the course!
What I found the most fascinating was Mr Barry Dennis’ book on the Champion Hurdle. Below are the prices chalked up on Mr Dennis’ board from about 30 minutes before the off to about 2 minutes before……..
9/4 Istabraq
Yes, thats all he priced up on the race until a couple of minutes before the race.
Thats a pretty strong opinion on the race, don’t you think?
Interestingly I believe this is the only time during the festival I saw anything of this nature. You would have loved Mr Dennis’ face after 30 seconds of the race……I couldn’t tell whether this was pure relief or whether this was just embarassment….I am certain it was only relief…..(for legal reasons!)<br> <br>Didn’t see the Morning Line and am unaware of the bismark or whether this is normal practice at one of the largest betting events in the calander…
Would be interested in comments……
