Equinties - fifth day kiboshed

October 18, 2022

Equinties

Gm Equinauts

With BAAEED bombing on Saturday, yesterdays newsletter focused on that and missed a lot of peripheral news. We'll talk about that today.

Let’s dive in.

Headline Roundup

Common sense prevails

Cheltenham is often easy to yield because more often than not, the best horses win (it's why I prefer punting graded/group and novice events). But even with the temptation of having an extra day at Cheltenham to make money, there really can be too much of a good thing. The Festival does NOT need diluting.

Thankfully, the Jockey Club revealed on Monday that the Cheltenham Festival will remain a FOUR DAY event following consultation between multiple different parties in industry and racecourse members.

People high up in The Jockey Club had floated the idea of a five-day Festival and, well, it didn't go down well amongst the race going public. After a unanimously negative response from the industry, they listened to the uproar and cut ties with the idea. A pleasant surprise and I really don't think this was how people thought it was going to go.

Finally, common sense prevails! At last! The Jockey Club has given up the extra income for the good of racing.

My suggestion of where their efforts are better placed? SORT THE FUCKING BARS OUT.

More:

'It's a great thing' - Walsh leads joyous reaction as Cheltenham sticks at four | Horse Racing News | Racing Post

Racing united in unexpected joy on Monday after it was revealed there would not be a fifth day added to the Cheltenham Festival.

Shark attacks the US

Just in case you didn’t know (EVERYONE KNOWS), Shark Hanlon’s €850 purchase, HEWICK is a good horse.

Not only did he secure the Bet365 Gold Cup last season, grind out victory in the Galway Plate, and nearly win the Kerry National off a monster weight, he collected his first Grade 1 success on the weekend as he powered to victory in the American Grand National.

It's a great story. Not only for the trainer's shrewd placing (he fucking trotted up!) but more so for the emotions it stirred. From the constant Irish support over in the US, the outpour of love on Racing Twitter, to the Shark’s beer-fuelled celebrations and nod to Jack de Bromhead in his post-race interview. The whole story was the best of racing.

Shark proved himself to be not only a good trainer, but a thoroughly decent bloke and his horse surely has to be a live contender for the Gold Cup in many months’ time, but first... a holiday. I imagine the boy will get a good long break now.

Shaggas' king slopper retires wearing his crown

William Haggas’ multiple-Group 1 successor, ADDEYBB was retired by connections yesterday after a perfect swansong victory in the Gr2 Prix du Conseil de Paris on Sunday, a win so typical of his gritty determination.

The son of PIVOTAL picked up four Group 1s in his time, collected over £3.6 million in prize money, and raced a staggering 27 times – all of this was done while bashing the Aussies in their own back garden, normally under a power packed ride by Hollie Doyle's husband.

One of the modern day legends who always gave his all on the biggest stage – happy retirement, ADDEYBB.

SAMCRO back to winning ways

SAMCRO, a three-time Grade 1 victor, got back to winning ways on the PtP scene over the weekend as he bolted up by 32 lengths, a whopping 48.5 lengths fewer than his total winning margin under rules, at Tinahely.

The 10-year-old by GERMANY was touted as the second coming after his Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle success in 2018, but after three consecutive losses in open company season over hurdles, he was sent novice chasing for the 2019-20 season.

Following a win in the Gr1 March Novices’ Chase by a nose to MELON, he failed to live up to his outstanding potential and his ability spiraled down in recent years.

Now a Pointer, he seems to be loving life and is set to go collect a load of Pointing pot's this winter. But for all of you who have even considered backing him for the Foxhunters in March, please seek therapy.

Rodway Rodwaying

Graeme Rodway has been at it again with his (purposeful) controversial opinions.

Yesterday saw the launch of the Racing Post’s ‘The Big Jump Off’, a big project that accumulates knowledge and tips from journalists across the industry.

Rodway was asked to rate his top hurdlers and chasers currently, and boy did he throw in some contrarian views.

SHISHKIN is better than ENERGUMENE. ROYALE PAGAILLE better than MINELLA INDO and GALOPIN DES CHAMPS. SIRE DU BERLAIS, a horse who beat FLOORING PORTER at Aintree last year, as the 14th-best hurdler.

You have to commend the Racing Post and Graeme for their shitposting, they do get good numbers.

Risk on

14.08 BEYOND REPROACH

Burke's lot fancied this last time and should just be the best horse in the race. Full bet at 7/4.

15.25 COMMANDER HECTOR

Postponed a soft ground sire, and this lad is a galloping horse with high knee action. Not many in the race will suit soft today bar Knights at the bottom of market. I think he’s a great ew to nothing in this race. Half bet ew at 5's.