Another day ...

... another winner . I thought the 'going' at Cheltenham on the 'New' course caught a lot of trainers - horses - and the punter completely out - riding much quicker than envisaged - hence some unexpected horses winning at big prices . It certainly did with a couple of 'ours' . We fancied Montaire in the 2 1/2m chase and though he ran a superb race to get second I think the ground just went against him .
However - one horse that did love the better going was The Package. In the colors of the late David Johnson - and wearing blinkers for the first time he was always traveling like the winner and dually obliged . More emotional scenes in the winners enclosure as DJ's lovely wife Shirley picked up the trophy .
On the social scene I was invited up to Gay Scouller's box above the winners line - very nice . Met Sir Mark Prescott and Dame Judy amongst others . No one knew me 'from Adam' but it was all great fun - all washed down with lots of Champagne . Thanks Gay - hope I didn't let you down too much !!
Yesterday I was invited into the French Gallop marquee . I was sort of hoping for an invite to Auteuil this summer but ... I suppose if Geoffrey had run better . Still - I'm taking positives ( impossible you might think) from that poor run in that we could well head to Auteuil this summer .
And so on to the fourth day and the Gold Cup . Geoffrey beat Many Clouds way back in their novice days and is improving . I'll go with him . Balgarry has been crying out for this trip in the MP race - really good jockey up - so hopes there . It would be great if the stable have a third festival winner of the week - but today looks more than tricky ... probably impossible !! CU
PS - Will blog anything I hear

Off the mark

Nothing demonstrates the polar of emotions in this sport than day 2 of The Cheltenham Festival . One of the big hopes for the week was for Kings Palace in The RSA - and although he ran well for along time he struggled up the hill . (Sir) Bryan Drew - part owner - was philosophical after ( and thanks for the ticket Bryan ) but I think we were all a bit down .
Then in next - Dell'Arca - in the colors of (Lady) Caroline Tisdall took a heavy fall . Unanamite ran ok in The Fred Winter but without getting involved .
So It was all down to Moon Racer in The Bumper - part owned - yea you've guessed it - by 'Sir' Bryan and 'Lady' Caroline . And after a false start Tom Scu never had Moon Racer positioned as he would have liked - but the horse is obvious class and he came through with a strong run to score decisively ! The relief from all the connections was palpable and there was terrific scenes of jubilation in the winners enclosure . Oh - what a difference a day - no - a few hours makes !! CU
Ps - Geoffrey is fine after his non exertions - well - he would be wouldn't he ! DP says we will 'draw a line' through the race and we may - at last - look to France . I thought The Racing Post had it right - 'talented but quirky ' !

More photos

- from yesterday - Denman / Kauto /b.....y Geoffrey /& u know who

Race lost ...

... at the start . I'm not normally a bemoaning owner - lots of them around - especially at Cheltenham - but I thought Tom Scu had Geoffrey in the wrong position at the start . He then got 'pincered' out of it and jumped ( if that's the word to describe his first jump !) in last position . He might've well pulled him up at that point and gone again on Thursday . We know Geoff is 'quirky' and the Cheltenham 'charge to the first' does not suit - but that was disaster ! The same happened two years ago in the Martin Pipe - Geoffrey then came out and won The Fixed Brush Hurdle at Haydock - his biggest 'pot' to date - so I'm not too down - just frustrated .
And what a day for Willie Mullins and the Irish ! I did say that the 'bookies' would never allow his first four favourites to win - they would all be out of business - so no surprise to see Ruby and Annie Power make a terrible blunder at the last and come to grief with the race at their mercy . Still - the stable still won it with their other !
For me the best part of the day was watching George being paraded before racing - along with Big Bucks - Denman and Kauto Star amongst others . He did look fantastic - as they all did . Whether his Brother will be held in such high esteem in his retirement - remains rather doubtful !! CU
Ps - a big day for stable with Kings Palace in the RSA . Always a difficult race . Let's hope he does it .

Here we go

So the madness of The Cheltenham Festival is once again upon us ! Just had a chat with DP and we go for the big handicap tomorrow - which I think was always our preference . George is also being paraded tomorrow - along with - amongst others - Kauto Star and Big Bucks . To see both The Brothers together again will be quite something - though a little bitter sweet .
But back to the race . It'll be ultra competitive - as we know - and they will go very quick . Much will depend on Geoffrey's jumping - and we will probably know our fate by the 2nd . But is well weighted and the ground will suit - odds of 16-1 is about right . CU .... tomorrow !
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