Racing Greats (I)

A Private Gallery

Ever since men created the English Thoroughbred to race it as fast as it can run, competetion was about to find the fastest - and therefore best - of them all. Years and even centuries have gone by, and every generation had it´s great racehorse, with fierce discussions and - nowadays - even internet polls which thoroughbred is, or has been, the "Greatest" ! The horses portraited here are "great" in the way we judge a "great" horse, yet they might lack some attributes other judges associate with this term. But while you will find so many brilliant references about the Dancing Brave´s and Desert Orchid´s of the racing world, here you might find the odd " outsider " as well. Judge yourself !
Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

Istabraq

Istabraq was one of the all-time-great Hurdlers, no doubt about that. He made Cheltenham his own for four years in a row, and arguably would have added a fifth back-to-back Festival win, if not for F&M. Istabraq tried to achieve a historic 4th win in the Champion Hurdle in 2002, and despite consistent rumours about his well-being the Irish made him a sentimental favourite for the race. But after two steps it was there for all to see that Istabraq´s leg´s couldn´t cope anymore, and he was pulled up after just two flights. He was - nevertheless - cheered home all the way back, just as he desereved. We will not see his like again.
(Lyrics are taken from the " Istabraq-Song " Video)

Sharing some mints with Istabraq, Martinstown jan 2007

Well, it all began back in 96 with a dream and a lad named John
His eyes would zoom on Sheik Maktoum and a gelding, young and strong
He approached JP to explain that he had a Champion for the track
Soon a deal was tied by Timmy Hide, its the Story of Istabraq

He is a Stayer on the Flat but I´ll soon change that, John Durkan claimed with style
He got on to the line to Aidan o´Brien and they headed for Ballydoyle
He said the word come down from Martinstown and there´ll be no turning back
I want full compliance for the Sun Alliance, it belongs to Istabraq

Chorus
Your in the lead with fire and glory, striding speed, out on your own
A gallant steed of song and glory... Istabraq, Istabraq, Istabraq we´ll cheer you home

Well he won by far like a superstar and the field is running still
The cheer of the crowd was deafeningly loud as he stormed up Cheltenham Hill
Winning all around and Tipperary bound for the John James Memorial plaque
At the speed of light its Winner alright the McManus for Istabraq

John Durkans pride was deep and wide as he battled for his life so brave
A husband, a son full of talent and fun, a young life no-one could save
As each day rolls by in a place on high, he´s remembered at every track
While his dream lives on through a man named Swan and a horse called Istabraq

Chorus

Winning every race at lightning pace to be a legend in the Sport of Kings
Running every mile with grace and style like Pegasus with fleeting wings
He romped home free for the AIG then the Smurfit on the Cheltenham track
I believe he smiled as the fans went wild for their hero Istabraq
Another season down back to Leopardstown to win the Champion once again
Then across the foam where he skated home as French Holly tried in vain
The english hope just couldn´t cope with the leader of the pack
Its a second feat on the Cheltenham peat for victorious Istabraq

Chorus

As his triumphs mount too many to count like Punchestown - The Shell
A tour de force of the Aintree course where he added the Martell
His following fold both young and old all agree he has the knack
As they raise their voice for the Peoples choice their beloved Istabraq
Its Millennium time and he is in his prime he´s the star of Y2K
He is Ireland´s toast as he passes the post he´s a champion in every way
On Saint Patrick´s week he´ll be at his peek when the Irish in Cheltenham pack
Just to see him go for three in a row - up ya boay Istabraq

Chorus

A winning Leopardstown run in 2001 he was ready for historical gold
but it didn´t work out as Britain´s foot and mouth put Cheltenham on hold
Another year to wait from this twist of fate with a fourth AIG back to back
Twelve month nearly through Its 2002 back to Cheltenham Istabraq
Having three in a row with just hours to go the excitement hits a new kind of high
AS he starts with the will you can see the thrill like a flame in every Irish eye
Liberties Green and Gold on this ten-year-old lights the sky about the Cheltenham track
You bowed out with pride though Charlie tried slán abhaile Istabraq

Now rested a while in Ballydoyle with the Tipperary fields at their best
Then to show your crown up in Punchestown and back home again to Limerick West
Where you settle down here in Martinstown with no Charlie on your back
Your reward you´ve won for a job well done maith an capaill Istabraq

Your Irelands pride always victorious in Pastures wide your´re free to roam
So now abide with memories glorious Istabraq you´re welcome home ...

See More Business

See More Business may have been the most underrated Chaser in recent times, but he was our hero. Creeping in our heart after putting up one brave performance after the other, year after year, later with his distinctive green blinkers, the culmination of our worship was his Cheltenham Gold Cup win in 1999, after having been carried out the year before.
He did his connections and fans alike proud in years to come, with the heroic 3rd place in the Gold Cup at the age of 13 being especially emotional, behind the then-rising star Best Mate. See More was retired sound and healthy in January 2004. He is not forgotten by his legion of fans.
Luckily we were allowed to visit him at his home in Ditcheat in the spring of 2003, and it was then that we took these photos:

Hedgehunter

Meeting the Stars - part II
We were fortunate to be allowed into the Stable Area after the 2005 Grand National, won by the marvelous Hedgehunter. Having been a very tired last-fence faller in the 2004 edition, Hedgerhunter was breathtaking in 2005, simply skating home after the gruelling 4 1/2 miles. As you can easily judge from this photo, he was fresh as paint some hours later and did demand - and get - a lot of attention.

Dawn Run

Dawn Run truely was magic, and her tragic and early death, after reaching such glittering heights, is still so hard to bear. She is to date still the only horse ever to have won a Champion Hurdle and a Gold Cup at Cheltenham, and she even added two foreign Champion Hurdles as well. Dawn Run was unique, and the lyrics taken from her " Dawn-Run-Song " are an emotional and fitting tribute.

Chorus
Dawn Run – riding through the morning, striding through the icy winter chill
Dawn Run – hooves beat out a warning, heart and muscles stretching up the hill

Down on a farm in County Cork in nineteenseventyeight
A foal was born that was to take her place among the Great
A lovely jumping pedigree her story once begun
When in the Racing Calendar appeared the name “ Dawn Run “

Chorus

Goresbridge in Kilkenny has a trainer of reknown
at Paddy Mullins stable the mare soon settled down
And in the third race of her life at Ballybeggan Park.
She won her maiden Bumper, the mare had make her mark

After two more bumper wins in the well known red and black
She took to winning hurdles with Tony on her back
And then in nineteeneightyfour she led them all a dance
She won the Champion Hurdles of England, Ireland, France

Chorus

Already in the history book she found her well earned place
And now her next big challenge was to win a Steeplechase
To Navan on a rainy day they came from near and far
And saw what they all wanted – the Chasing Superstar

A year laid up with injuries she threw her challenge down
And in the Durkan-Brothers race she punched up Punchestown
In just the 5th chase of her life Jonjo ´Neill sat up
To ride her in the big one, the Cheltenham Gold Cup

He tried to run ´em of their feet but couldn´t quite get free
For Run and Skip enjoyed the trip and kept her company
She had him beaten up the hill but danger loomed behind
Two horses full of running, each with victory in mind

I saw her beaten at the last, at best she might be third
But Jonjo knew her better, and he said the magic words
With bursting heart and thrusting head she made it to the line
And Wayward Lad he knew he met the Greatest of all time

That race I will remember in my memory I´ll see
The crowd the dreams the cheers the tears become reality
And though we never see her more her place in history ´s won
Forever Queen of Cheltenham, that magic mare Dawn Run

Chorus

Millenary

Millenary winning the Lonsdale Stakes, York 2005
(Photo: Paul Clark)

A smashing racehorse, and a Classic Winner too. Millenary (1997, Rainbow Quest - Ballerina (Dancing Brave)) won the St. Leger Stakes as a 3-year-old and was one of Britain´s best Stayer´s year after year. Having been ridden mainly by Pat Eddery in both their younger days, Millie then struck a quite successful partnership with Tony Quinn too. Even though Millenary liked things his own way, his wonderful record of 12 wins, 6 seconds and 8 thirds from 35 starts speaks volumes of his talent. A tough racehorse, Millenary won at least once each season since 2000 and was a great credit to all his conncetions. He has been retired to Stud in 2005. We wish him well!

Sergeant Cecil

Sergeant Cecil returning to a hero´s reception in York, Aug. 2005, after winning the Tote Ebor Heritage Handicap.
(Photo: Paul Clark)

While it is early times to add the name of Sergeant Cecil on any " Racing Greats " list, his achievements in 2005 have been so remarkable to say the least, that we have to celebrate him while we can. From indifferent breeding - his sire King´s Signet never won above Listed Level - and the first foal of a moderate dam, Sergeant Cecil joined Rod Millman´s yard and did not impress many at first. It took him two years in training to break his maiden, though he did reach the frame on serveral occasions. A new partner in Alan Munro in 2005, and a switch to longer distances created history this year: no horse has ever won The Northumberland Plate (The " Pitmen´s Derby "), The Ebor Handicap AND the Cesarewitch Handicap in one year, but Sergeant Cecil made it look so easy! He was a sight to behold when storming home in Newmarket and got the reception of a true Champion. For good measure Sergean Cecil was even able to add a gutsy 2nd place in the Doncaster Cup (Group II) in between!
He will have to run in all the major Cup Races in 2006, but everything Cecil achieves will be a bonus after glorious 2005!
Many congratulations to all the connections! This surely is a horse of a lifetime.

UPDATE 2005: SERGEANT CECIL HAS BEEN VOTED " HORSE OF THE YEAR 2005 " (AS WELL AS " HANDICAPPER OF THE YEAR ", NATURALLY!!) BY RACING POST READERS AND ROA-MEMBERS. SERGEANT CECIL RECEIVED TWICE AS MANY VOTES AS RUNNER-UP MOSCOW FLYER, WITH HORSES LIKE HURRICANE RUN AND MOTIVATOR BEHIND! Surely a richly deserved honor, and we send our sincerest congratulations !!!

The Magic continues: Sergeant Cecil reached the frame in his first outings in 2006, but was no match for the mighty Yeats in the Ascot Gold Cup; and in general it looked as if the gap between handicap´s and Cup-races was too tough to bridge! But then came York, and the Lonsdale Cup! With Alan Munro unfortunatly being unable to take the ride, Frankie was called and two-"you-shall-not-pass" souls struck it straight away: a marvelous ding-dong-battle with Franklin´s Garden brought the house down on the Knavesmire; we were treated with a flying dismount! To prove his new-found liking for the Yorkshire track, Sergeant Cecil came back three weeks later to add the Doncaster Cup as well, with the Town Moor closed for racing in 2006. Again Sergeant Cecil showed why he simply is one of the best-loved horses in England at moment: coming from behind after Frankie displayed some brilliant waiting tatics, old favorite Alcazar got after him, again ensuring this race would not be won without a fight. Its come from the heart, there is nothing better than these wonderful brave, gutsy and tough "old" stayers !!!!! May they all be around for many a season to come.
Oct.06: The fairytale continues! Sergeant Cecil won his first Gr. I race when coming with a storming late run to take the Prix du Cardran at Arc-Weekend in Paris, Longchamp. See chapter Turf-Travel VI for some photos.

See Sergeant Cecil´s brand-new homepage under www.sergeant-cecil.com !!!


Sergeant Cecil returns to a hero´s reception after his historic Cesarewitch win, jockey Alan Munro is visibly chuffed!
(Photo: John Whistler)

Halmahera

Halmahera - this time with Johnny Murtagh up - York, August 2005
(Photo: Paul Clark)

Halmahera, one could say, was Sergeant Cecil´s sprinting counterpart, as he clearly just needed the minimum trip to excell. A strapping dark brown gelding by Petardia, Halmahera must still be special to Kevin Ryan. Halmahera joined Ryan´s yard in 2001, having been successfull up to Listed class before. Winning was never going to be easy after that, it never is in big sprinting-handicap fields, once the horse runs of a decent handicap mark. Only a handfull of victories from 98 starts showed that, but Halmahera chose to make one race his own in the past years - the Portland Handicap. Donnie´s straight 5 furlongs seemed to bring the best out of Halmahera, his trainer even noticing that he seem to be a different horse there. Halmahera won an unprecedented 3 Portland-Handicaps from 2002 - 2004. An unsuccessful try to win the race for the 4th time ( quite out of form he was nonetheless sent off a sentimental 10-1 chance ) saw him down the field at his beloved Doncaster Town Moor in 2005 - he is now - again - retired for good, and does educated the youngsters in Kevin Ryan´s yard. He will undoubtly tell them the odd trick!


It is -again- with a sad heart that we have to add the following update:

Triple Portland winner Halmahera put down

Published: 10/10/2007 (News) Graham Green
KEVIN RYAN yesterday paid tribute to Halmahera after his three-time Portland Handicap winner was put down following a second attack of colic, writes Graham Green.
The death has saddened the Ryan family, who kept the 12-year-old as a pet since his retirement from racing two seasons ago, and in particular the trainer's daughter, Amy, 18, who has been showjumping him.
Halmahera won nine of his 101 races, and was placed on another 20 occasions, but will be best remembered for his hattrick of triumphs in the Doncaster cavalry charge between 2002-2004 when carrying the colours of John Duddy and Gillian Quinn, wife of ex-footballer Niall Quinn, now the Sunderland chairman.
Halmahera's successes also included a Listed event at Newcastle and two victories at Ascot, including the 1997 Cornwallis Stakes when trained by Ian Balding. He earned more than £300,000 in prize-money.
Ryan said: "I bought him as a six-year-old at the Horses in Training sale, out of Mr Balding's, and there was something about Doncaster that made him a stone better. Winning three Portlands in a row was a great feat, and he was just a wonderful horse to train, so uncomplicated.
"My daughter has been looking after him since he retired, and she has been taking him showjumping. He has had a great life. It is sad it had to end this way."

Alcazar

Alcazar going to Post
(Photo: Steve Parrott)

Still full of running at the age of nearly 11, Alcazar made headlines this year too. At the age of 10 he finally won his first Group 1 race when outbattling classy Reefscape in Longchamp, to land the Prix Royal Oak. In doing so he emulated old Yavanna´s Pace, who was the first 10-year-old to achieve this feat when winning the "Großer Preis von Europa" in Cologne, Germany, some years ago.
Alcazar is blessed with many virtues, but arguably they do not come any braver than him. In training with Mark Johnston in younger years, and quite fancied after winning a Listed Event in 1998, he was off for nearly 3 years shortly after, only to score on his comeback in 2001! Off for another two years straight after that, he was back in 2003 and won again, on his comeback, in a Listed Race as well. Cleary there were problems in between, namely a broken leg, two times a cracked pelvis, and some tendon problems as well.
But Hughie Morrison found the key to this fragile fellow with the heart of a lion, and there is no looking back since 2003! Ridden now all the time by Micky Fenton (Steven Drowne was called once in between), a higly successful partnership was formed, resulting in 7 wins since 2003. In total Alcazar raced only 28 times to date, winning 12, and being placed another 6 times. Its horses like Alcazar that make going racing all the more worthwhile.

Hat´s off to Hughie Morrison & Alcazar! A recent poll run by the Racing Post saw Hughie´s handling of Alcazar, and their preperation for the Prix Royal Oak, in 25th place of the "100 Greatest Training Feats". Mr. Morrison´s handling of equally fragile Tom Paddington has also been noted and reached a place in the 40th. We send our congratulations!

-> Go and see Alcazar´s own section further down the menue: "Meeting Alcazar&Co"!

Deano´s Beeno

Deano´s Beeno parading Cheltenham, 13-11-2005, prior to the Greatwood Hurdle
(Photo: Tracy Roberts)

Deano´s Beeno had his own way about racing, no wonder after having been in training with two of the toughest men in the Game. With Mark Johnston in younger years, Deano joined Martin Pipe for his jumping career, and hit many heights there. In 35 starts of jumps he won 12 times, including his famous beating of Baracouda in the Group 1 Long Wolk Hurdle in Ascot. It is unfair that many remember him best for the mulish behaviour he later developed, I think no wonder after carrying Tony McCoy for so long :-)
Deano was retired fit&well in 2004, and lives a fine life at Greatwood at the moment, enjoying his lazy days. The link to his wonderful homepage can be found in the Links-section.

Grey Abbey

Grey Abbey clear and out on his own!
( Photo: Charlotte Dolby )

Is there any better sight in National-Hunt Racing than a bold-jumping front-runner clearly in love with the game ? Yes - a WHITE bold-jumping front-runner !!
I imagine that Grey Abbey must have been grey in younger years, but he is long since white, and seems to be around forever. Rising 12 in 2006, he has always been a very decent horse, but it was the 2004/5 season that really brought stardom and put old Grey Abbey in the limelight, as spot so richly deserved. 9 of his 15 victories came that season, and racegoers were treated with some extraordinary displays of wonderful jumping by this old pro. Running with credit in the Cheltenham Gold Cup on ground that clearly did not suit, he bounced back to wonderful form in Aintree, and gave his new regular jockey Graham Lee a ride to remember. We are in for a bonus year this season, but this fellow owes us nothing, and we owe him so much !

After two lacklustre performances in 2005/06 it is just been reported that old Abbey has sensibly been retired for good. "He aged quite quickly" Howard Johnson was quoted in the Racing-Post. But as I said before: Abbey does not owe us anything, so all we can hope now is that he will spend some wonderful years in retirement, doing the odd parade. His sight will be missed in the circuit, but Abbey bowes out with pride! Fare well, old boy!

First Gold

First Gold in Punchestown
(Photo: Tracy Roberts)

Flat galopping left-handed tracks seem to bring out the best in First Gold, but he was never more brilliant than on Boxing Day 2000 in Kempton, right-handed for sure. He simply slaughtered a top-class field that day, beating the likes of Edredon Bleu, See More Business and Florida Pearl while still on the bridle. First Gold never quite fulfilled the dreams fuelled by this performance, but on his day he was simply brilliant, and he did run some wonderful races in defeat, too. Steered to his 11 wins from 42 starts all but once by Thierry Doumen, it was probably fitting that he never won again after Thierry retired. After two lacklustre performances in 2005 First Gold took a lengthy break, but is reportedly back in training with -apparently- the Grand National in mind. We will monitor his progress closely.
Update April 2006: First Gold made it to the Grand National, but unseated his rider at the Canal Turn, afer going well for a long time. He is now really and truely retired for good, and will come to Ireland to spend some lazy days at J.P. McManus Martinstown Stud. Its always great to see an old favourite bowing out in one piece, and good to know this fellow is safe, too.

Baracouda

Baracouda enjoying his retirement, Martinstown, Jan. 07
(Photo: Jim Clark)

Formfigures that contain only one´s and two´s are the dream of every owner, but than Baracouda IS every racehorse owners dream-horse anyway. Baracouda surely is a Racing Great in every sense of the meaning. 25 starts resulted in 18 wins and 7 seconds so far, he is a dual Cheltenham-Festival winner, and it needed top-class horses like Iris´s Gift and Inglis Drever to prevent a third Stayer´s Hurdle (oh, WORLD-Hurdle) Triumph. Baracouda is rising 11 but by no means finished yet, so book your seat for more exciting displays of racing and staying power by this wonderful equine athlete.
Update 2006: After an anti-climax season Baracouda came to the Cheltenham Festival with no real prep-race, and finished a honourable 5th behind My Way de Solzen, the first time in his life he finished out of the first 2. It appeared now that Baracouda sustained a slight Tendon injury during the race, and today (25th of March) the desicion to retire Baracouda has been made public. He will retire to J P McManus Martinstown Stud, where he can share the odd story with Istabraq. Baracouda certainly was the best Staying Hurdler I have seen; we will not see his like again so soon. He bows out with pride, too.

Native Upmanship

Native in Punchestown, Connor o´Dwyer up
(Photo: Tracy Roberts, again with many thanks !)

If ever one race came too late for one specific horse, it was the new 2 1/2 mile Championship Race at the Cheltenham Festival for Native Upmanship. This tremendously consistent chestnut ran many, many great races, with 16 wins from 46 starts a clear indication, but 11 of those wins came over 20furlongs, so the 16furlongs of the Champion Chase was never going to suit. Native Upmanship tried twice in vain to lift the prize, but had to settle for second on both occasions, to Flagship Uberalles and Moscow Flyer respectively. This shows that he was Top-Class over that trip also, it all just happened that tiny bit too quick for him, so even the hill would not bring his stamina into play. When the new race came in 2005, it was all but too late for old Native, and he had to be pulled up. I cannot imagine a NH-Season without him, but age is clearly catching up, and he is rising 13 in 2006.
His trainer Arthur Moore paid this emotional and fitting tribute to Native in 2003:
" He is a top-class horse. He is brilliant to train as he is so consistent, and he seems to have improved this year. Also, I have to pay tribute to his lad Ben Delmar and my head man Garvin Donnelly. He is the best two-and-a-half-mile horse I have trained - without being rude, he is probably the best I ever trained "

Chaplins Club

Chaplins Club parading at Pontefract, ca. 1993
(Photo: Jim Clark)

Chaplins Club wasn´t a Great Racehorse, by anybody´s stretch of imagination. All his wins came in handicap classes, and in low classes all the same, but it was his sheer toughness that made this resilient sprinter a huge public favorite. Neither bred in gold (nor silver) or wrapped in cotton wool, Chapins Club, in training with David Chapman for Peter Savill, raced a cool 160 times. Out of that he managed 24 wins, but needed only two seasons to score 18 of them, as he achieved the rare feat of winning 9 handicap races in one season not once, but twice! For good measure, he ran up 7 of the 9 wins in the second sequence in 17 days; thats how tough old Chaplins Club was. It was a satisfying and richly deserved honour that Chapins Club was voted in the Top 100 " Greatest Racehorses " in the recent Racing Post poll. Racehorses simply do not come much harder than him.

UPDATE: The newest Racing Post Poll about the "100 Greatest Training Feats" (see Alcazar, too) sees, who would have thought that, David Chapman´s handling of this tough little fellow in between the last 10 Feats, with the voting still open at time of writing (Feb.6th 2006)! Surely no more proof is needed that Chaplin´s Club clearly is a Racing Great, and that he still has many fan´s out there! Chaplin´s final ranking will certainly appear here, asap!
David Chapman´s handling of Chaplin´s Club finished a highly respectable 7th in the RP Poll. This is what the Racing Post said:
"David Chapman
Winning seven handicaps in the space of 19 days with the eight-year-old sprinter Chaplins Club in 1988. The presence of this trainer in the top ten may prompt a little surprise in some quarters. David Ashforth wrote: "Winning nine handicaps in a year is a considerable feat; doing it twice is an achievement unlikely to be matched."

Old Chaplins again, still parading in Ponte
(Photo: Jim Clark)

Pebbles

Pebbles may have been added at the request of one very special, dear person, but Pebbles WAS a Star, so we are happy to oblige.
Wonderful Pebbles! A pretty chestnut mare by exciting stallion Sharpen Up, Clive Brittain soon realized that something special has been given in his hands. Brittain might mistake the odd goose for a swan, but he was never more right than with this filly. As a three-year-old Pebbles was good, good meaning she won the Nell Gwyn Stakes and the 1000 Guineas in Newmarket, running some good races in defeat too. Even so Pebbles did sometimes perform below par, she was not good but brilliant in her four-year-old season, winning the Eclipse Stakes in breathtaking style ("When she won the Eclipse, she made the colts like Rainbow Quest look like hacks," said her trainer, Clive Brittain) and then bouncing back to equally wonderful form when running away with the Champion Stakes. As Clive Brittain was never one to duck a challenge when he saw one, it was Breeders Cup Turf after that for Pebbles. She travelled to America and was treated by an adoring American press the Queen she was, fuelled by the fact that Pebbles travelled over in style, and not alone. Come on the Blues was her friend, and she made sure she would not go without him, wherever she travelled, and wherever she went. The Press loved it, but they loved her even more when she showed the whole world what she was made of when actually winning the most thrilling of thrilling Breeders Cup finishes, making her final deadly move on the inner coming into the short straight, and galvanized by an inspired Pat Eddery,to hold on and win in new course record time. Pebbles was immediately voted American Turf Horse of the year 1985, among other honours. Pebbles was added to Sheik Mo´s broodmare band, but failed to throw a horse of real consequence. Retired from stud duties, Pebbles died in 2005 at the age of 24. She was golden, and so are her memories!
See a tribute by Jim Tierney in "Miscellaneous"

Hors La Loi Iii

Any horse that defeats a 978-day absence only to score in his comeback race must be a bit special. But when the horse in question is a former Champion Hurdle winner, now in training with Runner-Up-Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls, and the race in question the very first Chase of the horse´s life, the horse must be a little bit more than special to say the least. Well, Hors La Loi Iii is more than special, and not just a bit. For reasons certainly unknown to me Hors La Loi never received the credit a dual Cheltenham winner does deserve. He did win the prestigious Supreme Novice´s Hurdle in 1999, and it took the mighty Istabraq to prevent back-to-back victories in Cheltenham, in the Champion Hurdle this time, but still Hors La Loi performed with so much credit and was easily second best. F&M interfered the following year, and when Hors La Loi did win the Champion Hurdle in 2002, many people felt it was not for him being good, but for the bad luck of the two main contenders. True, Hors La Loi did run stinkers in between, behaved mulish and even refused to race, antics that eventually caused his retirement from racing.
For people thinking through their pockets that was never accepted behaviour. But full marks to Hors La Loi: a new trainer in Paul Nicholls and a switch to chases did some sort of trick, and fresh and keen as ever Hors La Loi simply skated home in his first ever chase race, jumping like a stag and winning eased down. We will continue to follow him eagerly, and wish him all the best in his new career!

Lochsong

Lochsong has long been crowned "The Queen of Speed", and there cannot be a more fitting title for her. Weak, backwards and with slightly crocked legs nobody had high hopes for her in young days. After two small wins at the end of her three-year-old-season, it was decided to leave Lochsong in training, presumably because there was nothing better with her to do. What happend then is the stuff for fairytales: Lochsong, in the careful and knowing hands of "Mill Reef" Ian Balding, progressed beyond wildest dreams and managed the rare Sprint-Handicap treble of Steward´s Cup, Portland Handicap and Ayr Gold Cup in 1992. It was Group Races after that for Lochsong, and again she showed progress beyond any expectations. Partnered with young and equally hot-blooded Frankie Dettori (prior to Godolphin Fame!) it was not only her many, many wonderful races - win and in defeat (finally resulting in 15 wins from 27 starts with the Prix de l´Abbaye double deserving a special mention)- but her breathtaking, raw-speed-to-burn character and bold front-running tactics as well as her hot and demanding temperament that caught the public´s imagination like rarely before. Lochsong was all speed, pure 5-furlong power, and because parades had caused an upset before (Lochsong famously bolted twice to the start, uncontrollable, and was a spent force after), for her last european race she was led to the start, to save the best for Longchamp´s back straight. When the gates opened it seemed that she was a distance clear when her opponents finally left the stalls! She was probably never more brilliant and never more loved than on that glorious first sunday in october 1994, and I saw racefan´s united in sheer unparalleld delight after that win, singing the "Loch-Song" for her.
Lochsong carried Jeff Smith´s well-known light-blue and mauve colours, in recent years so famously associated with Persian Punch, and it is one of the wonderful twists in racing that these colours have been carried by the best-loved stayer in centuries, and by this filly who caught our admiration over the shortest possible distance.

Flagship Uberalles

Flagship in Cheltenham, Jan 2005
(Photo: Tracy Roberts)

Another proper Racing Great! Being a brother to little Hero Viking Flagship certainly helped to raise many hopes, but Flagship Uberalles surpassed them all in a glittering career that saw him finish in the first three 25 times from 37 lifetime starts, winning 14 races. Flagship is a dual Cheltenham Winner, taking first spot in the Arkle Chase in 1999 (when being part of Paul Nicholls clean-sweep of Championship races that year, with Call Equiname taking the Champion Chase and See More Business winning the Gold Cup) as well as running away with the Champion Chase in 2002.
Unfortunatly Flagship´s initial owners preferred to have the horse running to their social timetable rather than to any trainers advice, which resulted in Flagship changing stables quite often. Luckily later owned by JP McManus and settled in with Philip Hobbs, Flagship ultimately rewarded McManus investment. Winning the BMW Chase in Punchestown in 2003 might have been his last win, but he claimed an emotional runner-up spot behind Azertyuiop in the Champion Chase in 2004, among many fine races. Flagship became enigmatic in the latter stages of his career, but by then he did now owe anything to anyone. Flagship is retired for good, and we wish him a long and honorable retirement !

Marlborough

Marborough being saddled (and MickFitz being legged up for the very last time in public!),Aintree 2005
what turned out to be his last racecourse appearance
(Photo: Jim Clark)

"Marlborough is rolling back the years here in Kempton" - the commentry of Marlborough´s last win in the Racing Post Chase, 2004 was the highlight on our answering machine at home, no doubt puzzling some non-racing callers. But is there anything better in racing than old friends finally delivering again?
Born in 1992, Marlborough started racing as a 5-year-old with Tim Forster, then switched to Nicky Henderson via Henry Daly, in 1999. There was no fairytale start for the new dream-team Marlborough-MickFitz-Nicky, as the first two results read UR-PU! But after that the key to each other was found, and the winning could -and did- start. In total Marlborough won 11 times from 37 starts, and running some wonderful races in defeat as well, highlighted when he all but beat Best Mate in an ultra-exciting KING-George in Kempton in 2002, Marlborough looming large in Best Mate´s shadow and Tony McCoy having to pull out all the stops on racings wonderboy to hold Marlborough by 1 1/2 length. Marlborough´s three Group-race-wins came late in his career, in 2001, 2002 and 2004 respectively, an interesting aspect to a great career.
After an unsuccessful excursion to a french trainer in 2004 Marlborough came back to his beloved Seven Barrows, but failed to sparkle, and is now retired for good. We wish him a long and honourable retirement!

Peintre Celebré

Again, I wrote this piece for Steve Parott´s page, but why not displaying it here, too ?

Chestnut horse (now Stallion) , 1994, b. Nureyev – Peintre Bleue

A very personal view of a very special racehorse

Racehorses do come in all shapes and colours and are asked to perform in all sorts of races. They run over all the distances we ask them to perform , some have just a very short career and others seem to be around forever. Big races and big occasions make big names and big money. Nowadays the racing season changes quickly and well established and (what seem now) old fashioned patterns of identifying a champion are out. Massive purses are given out in March already in Dubai, and the lure of big money looms even after the season was formerly already ended : Breeders Cup in America calls (End of October) , and the Far-East (in November and December) . Yet there is still magic about the first Sunday in October when English and French racing fans meet at Paris Longchamp , situated in the Bois de Bologne near the Center of Paris, to identify their champion in the middle distance category in a race called “ The Prix de ´l Arc de Triomphe “

The Prix de ´l Arc de Triomphe was created (or at least first run) in 1920 by French racing authorities to provide a test over the Derby Distance for 3-Year-old (classic) and older horses late in the racing year. The race quickly established itself as a class event and the master test it has been created for. Derby winners from all over Europe and top-class performers with all their big wins travelled to Paris to throw down the gauntlet, and provided thrilling performances , often THE race of the year. More money might be won in other places, but for the racing fan the folklore and the tradition this beautiful racetrack provides , with all the pomp and passion it can give and does give to a great racehorse, is beyond all financial matters. We travel to Paris to see the best from Europe, and hardly ever fail to do so.

In a time where we either seem not to get enough of a racehorse (the Lamtarra´s and co.) or see so much of ´em , Peintre Celebre (his name of course meaning “Celebrated Artist“) belonged in no category really. He ran 7 times, winning five, and never left France, yet he needed just one performance that stamped him the superstar he was. He came to Longchamp on that glorious first Sunday in October and beat the cream of European racing there and then. He did not really have to prove anything after that and never prove he did – due to a leg injury that was the last we saw of him as a racehorse and it is now to his sons and daughters to talk for him – and they do. But that comes later – here is the start:

Peintre Celebre was bred by the famous Wildenstein operation and hopes will undoubtably have been high for this well bred son of Nureyev out of the Gr. 2 winning Alydar-mare Peintre Bleue when he was born in 1994. The little foal, a striking chestnut with a white blaze on his elegant head was put into training with Andre Fabre . The horse got all the time it needed and made a rather late racecourse debut on August 18, 1996, in a Newcomers race in Deauville. I cannot recall the betting but Peintre Celebre won easy by 2 length , though the time of that race did not necessarily enhance any hopes of future glory. But it was enough to persuade Andre Fabre that a sterner test could follow, and PC ran again the very next month, this time in a Group 3 race. He did not win this but was not beaten far, and the promise was kept. Timeform noted: “ … was odds on to follow up his debut win in a minor event over this trip in Deauville last month, may do better again. “
Wisely Andre Fabre reckoned enough was enough and PC´s two-year-old season ended after just two runs. Being put away for a winter break the horse developed further and after his first start of the 1997 – Season he was most peoples idea of the French Derby Winner. Andre Fabre sent his horse the classic way as Peintre Celebre started in a renown Derby trial, the Prix Greffulhe , and he won in style. This race was all that was needed to put Peintre Celebre right for the so far most important day of his young life – the next race was the French Derby – the French of course say
“Prix Du Jockey Club“ . English people are forgiven to think that the English Derby is the most important Derby to be run in the world, but France will think differently. Run at the beautiful track at Chantilly with the magnificent old palace-like buildings (built by the Prince de Condé who was anxious to built the most spectacular Horse stalls as he was convinced he would be reborn as a horse) providing a stylish setting (the little town of Chantilly abut 40 km north of Paris is the French answer to Newmarket , as it provides the same amount of wonderfully laid gallops , all-weather and grass tracks in a forest surrounding and virtually all the French top trainers do train there) , the atmosphere is both elegant and relaxed at the same time, and certainly not comparable to the hurly-burly and rather fairground- atmosphere that Epsom has. Chantilly has a fair and even round right-handed track, and horses can rely more on talent than luck in running to win here. Peintre Celebre won with a minimum of fuss, he was always in touch and could be ridden out under a very confident hands- and heels ride from top French jockey Olivier Peslier. He won by two , and the time was fast.

Peintre Celebre stayed on the classic French route. As the Arc is always the main target for any top class French horse (and most top trainers wisely do not overdue their good horses) , a good prospect will inevitably have a summer break before starting in one of the acknowledged Arc –Trials three weeks prior to the actual race. So Peintre Celebre had just one more outing after his Derby cruise , dropping back in trip for the Grand Prix de Paris , a Group 1 race over 1m2f run three weeks after the Derby in Longchamp. Peintre Celebre proved that he can handle all sorts of going here as he easily beat his opponents in conditions that were officially called “holding“. This was this, and the summer break arrived.

Peintre Celebre enjoyed some months of lesser work in the care of his trainer, and was ready to go into action in September. Longchamp stages a traditional Trial weekend in mid-September, strategically placed to give the horses an outing before the big task arrives. There is one trial for 3-Year-olds, the Prix Niel, one Trial for older horses, the Prix Foy, and the Prix Vermeille for 3 year-old fillies. Peintre Celebre reappeared in the Prix Niel as a red hot 1/10 favourite – and lost. We all know that carefully laid plans are there to go wrong, and if ever a horse proved in defeat that he was the one all should have beat, it was this performance, but a second place is no win and the superstar got beat, however unlucky it might have been. Some talk was spent afterwards whether Peintre Celebre should have beat this lesser rival anyway, but PC was unlucky in running, did not have the break when it mattered, and anyway, did come from a break. It was a satisfactory comeback, albeit not the one his connection will have hoped for.

In any case, it was the next task that mattered and the next race that he was never, ever allowed to lose, it was the next task that should silence any doubters and the next race that was to prove Peintre Celebre was a Champion: his next race would be the Prix de l´ Arc de Triomphe.

As said before: The Arc is about competition. Young horses compete against older horses, French horses meet English (and Irish !) horses and French racing fans meet English (and Irish !) racing fans and the fierce competition between them who backs the best horse and who can drink most (wine and beer, both very expensive) continue next to the green turf. The blend of English, Irish and French fans mixed with the all-conquering Japanese and some German character as well provides a tense and intense atmosphere, busy, cosmopolitan, but loud and very passionate. How often did the English come with the seemingly invincible horse – only to meet their Waterloo?? Glorious Champions met bitter defeats here, just think about Nijinsky , Ardross, Ela Mana Mou, Mtoto, Generous or Troy !
So roll on to Peintre Celebré´s Arc : There he was, the reigning French Derby winner , and opposing him, among others where:
Pilsudski , fresh from his Irish Group 1 Irish Champion Stakes win, he has been second here last year, trained by Sir Michael Stoute and ridden by M.J. Kinane , Borgia, the though–as-iron German mare, the first female Derby winner this country had since 1955, fresh from her run-a-way victory in the Großer Preis von Baden Baden, Ireland send Oscar Schindler, the dual Irish St. Leger winner in his desperate search for victory over a more “ fashionable “ distance, John Oxx send Ebadiya for the Aga Khan, who had won this race so many times already, France had another ace in the shape of Helissio, last years winner. There where 18 runners altogether, 7 from France, 8 from England and Ireland, 2 from Germany and the odd Australasia raider. The betting was rather one-sided as Peintre Celebre was very warm 22/10 favourite with Pilsudski and Helissio were rather joint seconds in the betting ring. The question was: Would a three-year-old prove to be their master and would the Derby Form stand up this crucial test ?

Luckily the weather which can sometime play bad tricks around that time of the year, provided a perfect going and perfect setting for this eagerly awaited race, and the horses assembled underneath Longchamp´s traditional hallmark, the old mill.

Longchamp luckily provides a big screen so we all could see the race unfold, all eyes tried to watch the distinctive blue colours from the Wildenstein family , in the distance quite easily to be mistaken with Godolphin. Peintre Celebre was in midfield and Olivier Peslier wisely kept him there when the horses entered the false straight. He made a bit of headway there, but was still in the middle of the pack as the field widened over the track after the horses finally reached the home straight. It has been a searching gallop so far and it was clear that only a tip-top athlete would last home , and as the horses all started their final run none moved better than Peintre Celebre. The colt was denied room in running and had some trouble to overcome but once clear simply cruised to the lead on the inner rail as if the others stood still , was at the top of affairs a furlong from home and simply galloped the opposition into the ground after. (Timeform noted: “ Peintre Clebere carried tremendous confidence from connections and punters alike and routed the field in some style, in the process putting that controversial defeat over course and distance 3 week ago behind him ; early on though, his indolent manner must have worried all involved, soon pushed along, he took a while to grab his bit properly and, by the time they turned for home, wasn´t in the perfect position to challenge by any means, about halfway down and hemmed in on the inner; brilliant ability, plus the dexterity of a polo pony , came to his rescue and, weaving out of trouble , he moved into contention 300 meters out before changing his legs and fairly storming, ridden out to the line , …. He is reported to stay in training but whatever his future, he gave racing fans a day to remember here “…)

As the sun brightened his colour so he appeared to be golden he stretched out and left ´em behind, just drawing clear further and further, just proving how superior he was. He passed the post 5 length clear of a his nearest pursuer, Pilsudski, who hold a fast-finished Borgia and a brave Oscar Schindler for the minor places. The big screen showed the finish again, and as the time past-the-post did show knowledgeable people in the crowd gasped for air, as the time read 2:23 ! later to be corrected to 2:24,5 meaning Peintre Celebre crossed the line a full 6 seconds faster than the average race-time for this distance on this track.

To come back to the unsaddling enclosure the horses have to gallop past the stands, always a nice moment to cheer on your favourite and applaud to a brave runner. Olivier Peslier took his time coming back with Peintre Celebre but as he did slowly make his way back toward the waiting fans, the colourful winners blanket laying just loosely over the colts back, Olivier brought Peintre Celebre to a halt right in front of the admiring crowd. The noise was unbelievable as the popular favourite won but the horse just stood there, looked at us as if to ask for more , taking to our joy with so much calm dignity and pride: He was the King of Longchamp that day, and he knew it ! This picture will stay in my memory whenever I recall this race: his liquid-golden colour , his proud neck bowed out to us, his ears pricked in eagerly awaited praise.

It was announced soon after that Peintre Celebre was to stay in training as a four-year-old, and his comeback was eagerly awaited by his fans . It was not be though, as a leg injury put halt to all plans and eventually forced his retirement. Peintre Celebre went where every self respecting champion does go nowadays: To Coolmore. He was moderately price by their standards and his yearling soon started to sell well, and as his oldest progeny is now five it can already be said that he was a success: He already sired an outstanding racehorse and German Derby-Winner in the shape of Dai Jin, who brought back memories of his dad when he as well carried Olivier Peslier (who won the German Derby on him) in the 2003 Arc de Triomphe. Other famous runners sired by PC are Vallee Enchante, Super Celebre, Fantastic Love and Pearl of Love. His sons and daughters do not always share his flashy look, but usually have a great attitude towards racing and they are fast.

So, this is Peintre Celebres Story. Remember him with pride and joy as even he was French he was a most impressive winner of a fabled race (the best I have seen so far) and a most wonderful athlete . Lets hope for more laurels for his sons and daughters ; and if your ever come to Longchamp on the first Sunday in October, come and meet me. I am in that corner, next to the finishing line, and you will spot the German flag :-)