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You are here: Home / Archives for Jumps Season 2013-2014

Latest National Hunt Ratings

April 16, 2014 by Graham Richards Leave a Comment

Latest National Hunt Ratings

LATEST FSF RATINGS

FSF Ratings are a unique combined Form and Speed Ratings compiled by Graham Richards.

2014

TOP CHASERS

2014

TOP HURDLERS

SPRINTER SACRE

180

JEZKI

168

CUE CARD

172

MY TENT OR YOURS

167

CAPTAIN CHRIS

170

THE NEW ONE

166

SILVINIACO CONTI

169

HURRICANE FLY

164

SIRE DE GRUGY

169

MORE OF THAT

162

DYNASTE

168

CELESTIAL HALO

160

TIDAL BAY

166

QUEVEGA

159

THE GIANT BOLSTER

165

ANNIE POWER

158

BOBS WORTH

164

UN DE SCEAUX

158

SIR DES CHAMPS

162

SOLWHIT

157

FLEMENSTAR

161

MELODIC RENDEZVOUS

157

ARVIKA LIGEONNIERE

160

AT FISHERS CROSS

156

LORD WINDERMERE

160

2014

TOP NOVICE HURDLERS

SOMERSBY

160

VAUTOUR

155

ON HIS OWN

160

FAUGHEEN

150

LONG RUN

158

KINGS PALACE

146

SIMONSIG

155

DON POLI

146

2014

NOVICE CHASERS

SEA LORD

146

WESTERN WARHORSE

158

SEEYOUATMIDNIGHT

145

CHAMPAGNE FEVER

156

RATHVINDEN

145

TRIFOLIUM

154

ARCTIC FIRE

145

DODGING BULLETS

153

CAPTAIN CUTTER

145

O’FAOLAINS BOY

152

ROYAL BOY

145

TAQUIN DU SEUIL

151

BALLYALTON

144

SMAD PLACE

151

VERY WOOD

144

DEFY LOGIC

150

BRIAR HILL

143

BALDER SUCCES

150

KILLALA QUAY

142

WONDERFUL CHARM

150

THE TULLOW TANK

142

VALDEZ

150

WICKLOW BRAVE

142

FELIX YONGER

149

DEPUTY DAN

141

CARLINGFORD LOUGH

149

RED SHERLOCK

140

DOUBLE ROSS

149

UN TEMPS POUR TOUT

140

HOLYWELL

148

APACHE STRONGHOLD

139

UXIZANDRE

148

CLONDAW COURT

138

BALLYCASEY

147

2014

TOP JUVENILES

COLOUR SQUADRON

147

LE ROCHER

143

OSCAR WHISKY

147

TIGER ROLL

140

SIMPLY NED

146

KENTUCKY HYDEN

137

DON COSSACK

145

CALIPTO

137

NEXT SENSATION

143

ROYAL IRISH HUSSAR

135

2014

BUMPERS

GUITAR PETE

134

SILVER CONCORDE

130

FOX NORTON

134

SHANESHILL

127

VICENZO MIO

133

TEA FOR TWO

123

ABBYSSIAL

133

MILSEAN

122

ANALIFET

132

JOSHUA LANE

125

ALDOPICGROS

131

BLACK HERCULES

125

GITANE DU BERLAIS

131

VIGIL

124

NOBLE INN

129

KILLULTAGH VIC

124

BROUGHTON

128

GAITWAY

116

KATGARY

128

HAWK HIGH

128

RUTHERGLEN

128

GERDAGO

127

ACTIVIAL

126

PEARL CASTLE

126

 

Filed Under: Jumps Season 2013-2014, Ratings Tagged With: chasers, form, hurdlers, national hunt, ratings, speed

Weekend Thoughts: Review of 1st and 2nd March 2014

March 4, 2014 by Graham Richards Leave a Comment

Weekend Thoughts: Review of 1st and 2nd March 2014

Good ground at Doncaster. The first two races were won respectively by Victor Hewgo and Mayfair Minx. Both won easily appreciating the ground underhoof. Aintree is likely to their next port of call where they would be players in their chosen events. Night In Milan continued his love affair with the track. He jumped well throughout, led four fences from home and stayed on strongly. The Topham Trophy may be his next assignment. Storm Survivor returned to form in second place and looks one to follow in the coming weeks. Monbeg Dude plodded on into a distant fifth place; finding trip, track, and ground against him. Nevertheless, it will freshen him up for the Grand National where his stamina will come into play, if avoiding the odd mistake he makes. Tistory bolted up in the novice hurdle. If he can avoid further setbacks, he has the engine to make an impression at a much higher level. The better ground clearly suited him. Good to soft ground at Kelso. Desoto County appreciated the ground running out a cosy winner of the novice hurdle. He has plenty of improvement to come and looks a chaser in the making. Clever Cookie was an impressive winner of the Grade Two Premiere Hurdle. Best on good ground, he is a rapidly improving individual with a highly promising future ahead of him. The second and third are sold yardsticks suggesting the form will stand up to inspection. Good ground at Aintree would see him lining up for the fun. Maggio came over from Ireland and recorded his fourth course win in the Premier Chase. Clear at the second last, he stayed on gamely with two decent handicapper chasing him home. Happiest on sharp tracks, his record at Kelso now reads, 2, UR, 1, 1, 2, 1, 2, 1. Newbury’s meeting took place on heavy, holding ground. Westaway justified market support when scooting clear after the last fence. In good heart, he may run under a penalty before reassessment. Billy Twyford won the three-mile handicap hurdle in game fashion. His trainer suggests he will improve on better ground. All his wins have come on left-handed tracks. In the Veterans Handicap Chase, Burton Point bounced back to form under a front-running ride from AP. However, he was unable to hold off Summery Justice who notched another win for the in-form Venetia Williams stable. In an incident packed Greatwood Handicap Hurdle, Jumps Road just held on to beat Kuda Huraa. The second may well have won but for a mistake at the last. However, both Seventh Sky and Tiqris were travelling comfortably, when the former fell, bringing down Philip Hobbs’s horse. The Greatwood Gold Cup went the way of Venetia Williams and Shangani. Both the winner and runner-up had a ding-dong battle from the second. Landing on the run-in, Rebel Rebellion hung to his left almost causing both horses to collide with the rails. Tom Scudamore aware of the situation had no choice but to force his mount through what gap there was, forcing Rebel Rebellion to his right. The winner stayed on strongly, deservedly landing the spoils. Well-supported Ulck Du Lin ran disappointingly. Once again he left the impression he needs to drop back in trip. The Junior Bumper ended the card. The first four home all looked decent sorts that should improve over the coming weeks and months. Over in Ireland, two handicappers caught the eye in victory. On Saturday at Navan, Concordin (raised 8lb by the Irish Handicapper following this run) put some disappointing runs behind him and should improve considerably as the ground dries out. At Leopardstown on Sunday, Art Of Payroll hacked up in a two-mile handicap hurdle. With a 5lb penalty (raised 10lb by the Irish Handicapper following this run), he may sneak into the County Hurdle. Given that scenario, he would be a major player.

Filed Under: Jumps Season 2013-2014, Review Tagged With: Doncaster, Kelso, Newbury, review

Betfair Hurdle: Runner by Runner Preview

February 4, 2014 by Graham Richards Leave a Comment

Betfair Hurdle: Runner by Runner Preview

Betfair Hurdle (Handicap) (Grade 3) 4yo plus, 2m 110y, Class 1

Act Of Kalanisi (IRE)

8

Unseated last time out following a couple of wins in a lower grade.

Alaivan (IRE)

8

Showing signs of a revival and well-handicapped on his best form. On the downside, no horse older than six-years has won since 2004.

Cheltenian (FR)

8

Absent for an extended period before bolting up in a maiden hurdle at Uttoxeter in late December. He has always been highly regarded and could be thrown in at the weights. Short on experience.

Chris Pea Green

5

Useful handicapper on his day and enjoys heavy ground. Best form would give him a shout.

Deep Trouble (IRE)

7

Improving handicap hurdler but a steadily increasing handicap mark needs to be overcome.

Dell’ Arca (IRE)

5

Won the Greatwood Hurdle on his first start in the UK. Still in with a serious chance at Ascot when stumbling over a fallen horse and unseating his pilot. Form of that race looks solid in terms of this event. Looks on an attractive handicap mark.

Far West (FR)

5

Good chance on seasonal reappearance run and well-handicapped on that performance.

First Avenue

9

Plenty to prove in this company.

Get Me Out Of Here (IRE)

10

Won this race in 2010 off a 13lb lower mark. Getting on in years but showed a bit more of his old self on his last run.

Gibb River (IRE)

8

Profile suggests he is at his very best going right-handed over further.

Irish Saint (FR)

5

Bolted up at Ascot and 7lb well in compared to future races. Thought to need further while form of the Ascot race displays placed horses running below their best. Loves soft/heavy ground.

Irving

6

Unbeaten in three novice hurdles; all on right-handed tracks. Three of the last four renewals have been won by novice hurdlers. They were officially rated 135, 134, and 149. Irving resides on a mark of 143.

Jumps Road

7

Returns to handicap company and not without a chance. Last three wins have come at right-handed Wincanton.

Kashmir Peak (IRE)

5

Lightly raced over hurdle, this fellow had a warm-up at Wolverhampton on February 3rd. Best form gives him a shout but disappointing on last two hurdle starts.

Leo Luna

5

Disappointing last October and not seen since.

Melodic Rendezvous

8

Back to his best when defeating P’Tit Zig at Haydock Park. Top weight but FSF ratings give him a similar chance to Irish Saint.

Montbazon (FR)

7

Returns after an enforced absence. Considered well-handicapped by connections, it would be an incredible effort to go close, in such a competitive race, off such a long break.

Poet

9

Recent form suggests he is not the force of old.

Prompter

7

Talented but quirky. Usually runs in lower grade races.

Recession Proof (FR)

8

Won the race on 2011 off the same mark he runs off here. Something to prove on recent form.

Rolling Star (FR)

5

Highly regarded horse that has not always shown the talent he displays at home. Reported to be in tremendous form at Seven Barrows. Handicapped up to the best he has produced on the racecourse.

Sky Khan

5

Looks out oh his depth on all know form.

Smashing (FR)

5

Dual winner in Ireland since his arrival from France. 13lb higher than his French handicap mark though RPR’s suggest he has improved around 15lb.

Snake Eyes (IRE)

6

Ran a highly encouraging race in the Boylesports Hurdle to finish sixth. One to keep an eye on in the market.

Splash of Ginge

6

Disappointed behind Deputy Dan at Warwick; may have been found out by the trip. Ascot form with Irving suggests he could run well at the revised weights.

Swing Bowler

7

Third in the race last season off a 2lb lower mark. Seasonal return but goes well fresh and handles soft ground.

Totalize

5

Steadily improving hurdler that would be of interest if the market speaks in his favour.

Vasco Du Ronceray (FR)

5

Seasonal return for this promising horse. 2013 Adonis Hurdle form with Irish Saint, suggests he has a good chance of reversing placings, if at his best.

Vendor

6

Has a good record at Newbury and returned in late November to bolt up, in what looked a competitive race. If he is able to show his best form from March/April 2012, his handicap mark leaves him highly competitive. Handles soft/heavy ground.

Filed Under: Ante-post, Betfair Hurdle 2014, Jumps Season 2013-2014 Tagged With: Betfair Hurdle, Jump Racing, Newbury

Provisional FSF Ratings – Novice Hurdlers

January 3, 2014 by Graham Richards Leave a Comment

Provisional FSF Ratings – Novice Hurdlers

FSF rating = Form and speed combined rating. Based on the horse’s best performance over the last twelve months.

CAPTAIN CUTTER

145

FAUGHEEN

142

THE TULLOW TANK

142

TIMESREMEMBERED

141

KINGS PALACE

140

IRVING

139

BRIAR HILL

138

WILLOW’S SAVIOUR

137

APACHE STRONGHOLD

136

UPAZO

136

RENNETI

135

ARCTIC FIRE

134

Filed Under: Jumps Season 2013-2014, Ratings Tagged With: FSF Ratings, novice hurdlers

Hennessy Gold Cup Preview [VIDEO]

November 25, 2013 by Jonathan Pollinger Leave a Comment

Filed Under: Hennessy Gold Cup 2013, JPFestival.com TV, Jumps Season 2013-2014 Tagged With: Hennessy Gold Cup, Newbury

National Hunt Guide by Graham Richards – 28 WINNERS so far!

November 11, 2013 by Jonathan Pollinger 2 Comments

National Hunt Guide by Graham Richards – 28 WINNERS so far!

Updated 30 November Our National Hunt Guide 2013-2014 by Graham Richards @gronline is now available! Analysis of 123 horses, interviews with 11 trainers in 11,536 words over 30 pages. It’s already highlighted these 28 winners: 1. A Vos Gardes (FR) 2. Annie Power (IRE) 3. Beforeall (IRE) 4. Calipto (FR) 5. Carraig Mor (IRE) 6. Dell’ Arca (IRE) 7. Duke Of Monmouth (IRE) 8. Global Power (IRE) 9. Green Flag (IRE) 10. Harry Topper 11. Hello George (IRE) 12. Kentucky Hyden (IRE) 13. Magnifique Etoile 14. Mandarin Sunset (IRE) 15. Many Clouds (IRE) 16. Nuts N Bolts 17. Pendra (IRE) 18. Plum Stone 19. Red Sherlock 20. Regal Encore (IRE) 21. Royal Regatta (IRE) 22. Spirit Oscar (IRE) 23. The Liquidator 24. Ueueteotl (FR) 25. Urban Hymn (FR) 26. Uxizandre (FR) 27. Valdez 28. Volnay De Thaix (FR) Here’s are the excerpts for 2 of the winners, Many Clouds and Royal Regatta: Many Clouds (IRE) 6-y-o (21Apr07 br g) Cloudings (IRE) (12.2f) – Bobbing Back (IRE) (Bob Back (USA) (12.4f)) Despite disappointing at Aintree, Many Clouds had an excellent first season over hurdles. He has pleased his trainer with his well-being and schooling. Many Clouds handles good through to heavy. He will prove effective over two and half to three-miles. Best on a galloping track; he should make an impression in his novice chase season. Royal Regatta (IRE) 5-y-o (25Mar08 b g) King´s Theatre (IRE) (11.4f) – Friendly Craic (IRE) (Mister Lord (USA) (12.0f)) Bolted up in a Bumper at Haydock Park this March. On good or softer ground, round a galloping track, he is expected to win his novice hurdle before progressing through the ranks. Royal Regatta has done well over the summer and pleased his trainer in schooling sessions. Aintree 27 October: With three flights omitted, his jumping wasn´t fully tested. However, he is a promising young hurdler that can defy a penalty before aiming higher. He wouldn´t want to go any further than two and a half miles. Here’s the full A-Z of the 123 horses covered in the Guide – download for £12 or sign up as a Community Member for just £6 per month or £30 every 6 months – BUY NH GUIDE OR JOIN COMMUNITY. Community Members and buyers of the NH Guide can now access the latest update and notes from Graham Richards for free. It’s available under the Guides menu. A Shade Of Bay 5-y-o (08May08 b m) A Vos Gardes 3-y-o (25April10) African Gold (IRE) 5-y-o (13May08 b g) Aikman (IRE) 9-y-o (11May04 b g) Ainsi Fideles (FR) 3-y-o (01May10 ch g) Allee Bleue (IRE) 3-y-o (14Feb10 ch g) Always Smiling (IRE) 6-y-o (01Jan07 b m) Amour Collonges 3-y-o (10May2010 g) Anda De Grissay (FR) 3-y-o (28Apr10 b f) Annie Power (IRE) 5-y-o (20Mar08 ch m) Area Access (IRE) 5-y-o (01Jan08 b g) Art Mauresque (FR) 3-y-o (01Mar10 b g) Attimo (GER) 4-y-o (10Mar09 ch g) Avidity 4-y-o (24May09 b g) Baltimore Rock (IRE) 4-y-o (07Apr09 b g) Batonnier (FR) 7-y-o (04Apr06 ch g) Beforeall (IRE) 5-y-o (07May08 b g) Big News 7-y-o (15Jun06 ch g) Black Hercules (IRE) 4-y-o (01Jan09 b g) Black Is Beautiful (FR) 5-y-o (02Mar08 b g) Black River (FR) 4-y-o (21Mar09 b g) Blue Fashion (IRE) 4-y-o (13Mar09 b g) Brother Du Berlais (FR) 4-y-o (16Apr09 b/br g) Cadoudoff (FR) 3-y-o (12Apr10 b g) Calipto (FR) 3-y-o (15Apr10 b g) Carraig Mor (IRE) 5-y-o (01Jan08 b g) Champagne West (IRE) 5-y-o (06May08 b g) Chill Factor (IRE) 4-y-o (30Apr09 b g) Chocala (IRE) 3-y-o (10Apr10 b g) Close Touch 5-y-o (14May08 ch g) Darna 7-y-o (16Feb06 b g) Dell’ Arca (IRE) 4-y-o (17Feb09 b g) Deputy Dan (IRE) 5-y-o (11Jun08 b g) Duke Of Monmouth (IRE) 6-y-o (17Mar07 b g) Edmund Kean (IRE) 6-y-o (13Mar07 b g) Elmore Back (IRE) 4-y-o (30Jun09 b g) Evening Stanley Gassin Golf 4-y-o (07Mar09 b g) Global Power (IRE) 7-y-o (01May06 b g) Gone Too Far 5-y-o (05Jun08 b g) Grey Earl Grey Gold (IRE) 8-y-o (12Jun05 gr g) Handazan (IRE) 4-y-o (03Feb09 b g) Hannibal The Great (IRE) 5-y-o (13Feb08 b g) Harry Topper 6-y-o (05Apr07 b g) Hector’s Choice (FR) 9-y-o (05May04 b/br g) Hello George (IRE) 4-y-o (02May09 b g) If In Doubt (IRE) 5-y-o (14Apr08 b g) Inish Island (IRE) 7-y-o (11Apr06 ch g) Invictus (IRE) 7-y-o (03May06 b g) Irish Buccaneer (IRE) 6-y-o (31Mar07 b g) Katkeau (FR) 6-y-o (13May07 b g) Keltus (FR) 3-y-o (19Mar10 gr g) Kentucky Hyden (IRE) 3-y-o (17Apr10 ch g) Knock A Hand (IRE) 8-y-o (09Apr05 br g) Kris Spin (IRE) 5-y-o (12Jan08 br g) L’Amiral David (FR) 3-y-o (25Apr10 b/br g) Latelo 2008 5-y-o b g Lemony Bay 4-y-o (08Apr09 b g) Lord Of House (GER) 5-y-o (05Apr08 ch g) Lord Wishes (IRE) 6-y-o (03Jun07 b g) Magnifique Etoile 6-y-o (12Apr07 b g) Mandarin Sunset (IRE) 6-y-o (15May07 ch g) Many Clouds (IRE) 6-y-o (21Apr07 br g) Marie Des Anges (FR) 5-y-o (25Mar08 b m) Meister Eckhart (IRE) 7-y-o (29Mar06 b/br g) Midnight Minx 6-y-o (09May07 b m) Midnight Oscar (IRE) 6-y-o (02Jul07 br g) Milord (GER) 4-y-o (28Mar09 br c) Mischievous Milly (IRE) 5-y-o (08May08 b m) Molly’s A Diva 6-y-o (24Mar07 ch m) Montbazon (FR) 6-y-o (05Feb07 b/br g) Mountainous (IRE) 8-y-o (01Jun05 b g) National Hunt Guide Horses 2013-2014 Ned Stark (IRE) 5-y-o (01Jan08 b g) Net Work Rouge (FR) 4-y-o (01Jan09 b g) O’Faolains Boy (IRE) 6-y-o (03Jun07 b g) Oscarteea (IRE) 4-y-o (15Mar09 b g) Pendra (IRE) 5-y-o (16Apr08 ch g) Plum Stone 4-y-o b m Prideofthecastle (IRE) 6-y-o (02May07 b g) Puffin Billy (IRE) 5-y-o (02May08 b g) Quick Decisson (IRE) 5-y-o (29Feb08 b g) Red Sherlock 4-y-o (16Feb09 ch g) Regal Encore (IRE) 5-y-o (12May08 b g) Royal Regatta (IRE) 5-y-o (25Mar08 b g) Salmanazar 5-y-o (05Mar08 b g) Sassanova (FR) 3-y-o (28Apr10 b f) Sausalito Sunrise (IRE) 5-y-o (05Jun08 b g) Scorpions Sting (IRE) 4-y-o (09May09 b g) Sego Success (IRE) 5-y-o (01Jan08 b g) Seventh Sky (GER) 6-y-o (05Apr07 b g) Solar Impulse (FR) 3-y-o (28Mar10 b g) Solstice Son 4-y-o (28May09 b g) Spirit Oscar (IRE) 5-y-o (01Jan08 b m) Such A Legend 5-y-o (01May08 ch g) Tax Benefit (IRE) 8-y-o (23Apr05 b g) Teo Vivo (FR) 6-y-o (18May07 gr g) The Liquidator 5-y-o (20Apr08 b g) The Pirate’s Queen (IRE) 4-y-o (11Mar09 b f) Thorlak (FR) 6-y-o (08Mar07 b h) Top Gamble (IRE) 5-y-o (16Feb08 ch g) Tresor De Bontee (FR) 6-y-o (01Apr07 b g) Twelve Roses 5-y-o (13Apr08 ch g) Two Rockers (IRE) 6-y-o (14Apr07 b g) Ueueteotl (FR) 5-y-o (17Mar08 gr g) Ulzana’s Raid (IRE) 4-y-o (06May09 ch g) Un Ace (FR) 5-y-o (13May08 b Un De Sceaux (FR) 5-y-o (01Jan08 b g) Un Guet Apens (FR) 5-y-o (05Apr08 b g) Up And Go (FR) 5-y-o (29Feb08 ch g) Upsilon Bleu (FR) 5-y-o (19May08 b g) Urban Hymn (FR) 5-y-o (01Jan08 b g) Urubu D’Irlande (FR) 5-y-o (20Apr08 b g) Uxizandre (FR) 5-y-o (05Mar08 ch g) Valdez 6-y-o (16Mar07 ch g) Vazaro Delafayette (FR) 4-y-o (01Jan09 bl g) Velator 6-y-o (11Mar07 b g) Vide Cave (FR) 4-y-o (10May09 b g) Vieux Lion Rouge (FR) 4-y-o (02Mar09 ch g) Volnay De Thaix (FR) 4-y-o (23Jan09 ch g) Vyta Du Roc (FR) 4-y-o (21Jun09 gr g) West Wizard (FR) 4-y-o (16Feb09 b/br g) Western Jo (IRE) 5-y-o (02Apr08 b g) BUY NH GUIDE OR JOIN COMMUNITY

Filed Under: Horses to follow, Jumps Season 2013-2014, Preview Tagged With: cheltenham, horse racing, horses to follow, Jump Racing, national hunt guide, season 2013-2014

Graham Richards FSF Ratings (Form and Speed combined)

November 10, 2013 by Graham Richards Leave a Comment

Graham Richards FSF Ratings (Form and Speed combined)

Graham Richards FSF Ratings (Form & Speed combined)

TOP TWENTY CHASERS & HURDLERS GOING INTO 2013-2014

Chasers

SPRINTER SACRE 171 BOBS WORTH 164 TIDAL BAY 161 CUE CARD 160 LONG RUN 159 SILVINIACO CONTI 159 SIR DES CHAMPS 158 MENORAH 157 FIRST LIEUTENANT 156 CAPTAIN CHRIS 155 FLEMENSTAR 155 THE GIANT BOLSTER 155 AL FEROF 154 SIRE DE GRUGY 154 SIZING EUROPE 153 SANCTUAIRE 152 ARVIKA LIGEONNIERE 151 CHINA ROCK 150 ROI DU MEE 148 SIMONSIG 148

Hurdlers

BIG BUCK’S 163 HURRICANE FLY 158 CHAMPAGNE FEVER 153 MY TENT OR YOURS 153 QUEVEGA 153 ZARKANDAR 153 JEZKI 152 OSCAR WHISKY 152 ROCK ON RUBY 152 COUNTRYWIDE FLAME 151 SOLWHIT 151 REVE DE SIVOLA 150 OUR CONOR 149 THOUSAND STARS 149 BINOCULAR 147 CELESTIAL HALO 147 THE NEW ONE 147 BOG WARRIOR 146 MONKSLAND 145 ZAIDPOUR 142

Feature photo of Bobs Worth by Michael Harris @mjyharris

Filed Under: Jumps Season 2013-2014, Ratings Tagged With: chasers, form ratings, FSF Ratings, hurdlers, speed ratings

Next Stop Wincanton Races and then…

November 8, 2013 by Ryan Ferris Leave a Comment

Next Stop Wincanton Races and then…

In my tour round UK race meetings on Saturday afternoons, tomorrow I’ll find myself at Wincanton Racecourse for the Badger Ales Trophy. It’s a brilliant racecard that features the Grade 2 Rising Stars Novices chase and the Limited Handicap Elite Hurdle (Grade 2). This is a fixture that I really look forward to; Wincanton is a brilliant viewing course and exceptionally well run. The Jockey Club’s smaller venues really can be great places to visit. This year however I have been ticking the days off the calendar for a good few months now. We see the reappearance of a horse that my group of friend’s affectionately refer to as “The Good Horse”. The horse in question is trained in deep Exmoor by former cattle farmer Jeremy Scott; “The good horse” is easily recognisable; he is a fine big stamp of a horse and is hard to miss with his big white blaze. The Good Horse or as he’s known on the racecard; Melodic Rendezvous made his debut in a March bumper at Chepstow. In what was a very low key affair, the well backed son of Where Or When ran out an exceptionally easy winner, drawing clear up the long Chepstow home straight. For what was in theory a modest affair, the form stacked up very nicely indeed with no less than 5 winners coming out of the race.

The morning after the Chepstow Bumper
The morning after the Chepstow Bumper
In what was arguably a bold move, he made his next start at the Punchestown Festival where he was thrown in against the impressive Cheltenham bumper winner Champagne Fever, and the high class 2nd from the race New Years Eve. For anyone that can’t remember the weather that week, it hardly did Ireland’s stereotype of ‘always raining’ any favours. The rain could only be described as monsoon like! In a race restricted to amateur riders, Jeremy made a brilliant booking. Jamie Codd would arguably be one of the best riders the amateur scene has ever had. Winning countless point to points in Ireland and having a very enviable CV of high profile wins under rules. Champagne Fever went out to make all in bottomless ground; with his assured stamina and benefiting from the experience of 3 previous runs he would be very tough to beat. As his rivals fell away in behind, Mr J J Codd slowly made ground on the field and as they rounded the home turn Champagne Fever was away and gone. The mud splattered Good Horse gamely battled on to finish a quite remarkable 2nd in the Grade 1 affair, fully justifying the confidence Jeremy Scott had in sending him over to the Emerald Isle. The Jeremy Scott team had a proper horse to look forward to for next season’s campaign. He made his hurdles debut at Exeter where he faced the first ever JP McManus owned Paul Nicholls’s horse, Mr Mole, who was very well bred was certainly piping fit. Melodic Rendezvous ran well in finishing a close second; not a hurdling debut to get wildly excited about but certainly a nice introduction to the hurdling game with improvement almost certainly assured.
Entering the Parade Ring at Sandown Park
Entering the Parade Ring at Sandown Park
His next start would be on the Friday of the Cheltenham December meeting. A very promising field went out to run at Prestbury Park that day; a well touted Nicky Henderson horse called Royal Boy was in attendance, along with other exciting novices Eduard, the high class bumper winner Villiage Vic and Mr Watson. The early pace was a crawl; no one seemed particularly interested in taking the lead. As they rounded the home bend at Cheltenham with the famous hill to climb, Nick Schofield sat motionless in last place. As his small band of supporters watched on, nervous that he had too much to do. But Nick sat confidently and asked his charge to make ground as they approached the last obstacle, which he pinged and in a matter of strides Melodic Rendezvous had gone from stone last to first. He went on to win by a comfortable length, from a fast finishing Royal Boy who did look a touch unlucky. It is fair to say Nick Schofield was the calmest person in the house in the final two furlongs of that contest. The way he won the race; why was anyone worried anyway? In the history of this Class 4 Novice Hurdle it would be debatable if there had ever been a happier looking stable lad leading back in his horse to the winner’s enclosure. Melodic Rendezvous had built on the promise of his hurdles debut nicely, and in race that was not run to suit he ran out a very nice winner. Jeremy Scott and the team decided to pitch his stable star into Grade 1 company on only his 3rd hurdles start in the prestigious Tolworth Hurdle. The race was run at a very nice tempo considering the soft going and as they came round the home bend Pendra led the field up the testing Sandown straight. Poet who was always posted wide set about making his ground with Nick once again sat motionless at the bottom of the straight, oozing confidence. As they came to two out, Royal Boy made an error when weakening, Pendra pinged the hurdle to retain the lead, and Melodic put in arguably his slowest leap of an otherwise perfect round. As they raced towards the final flight Nick Scholfield let his mount stride ominously upside the leader. The game front running Pendra and Melodic Rendezvous produced perfect leaps in tandem at the last and as they landed together Melodic Rendezvous appeared to barge into Pendra showing that not only is he of the highest order he is a real fighter. Nick Schofield set about winning the race, and with the assistance of a couple flicks of the whip he drew clear of the gallant second Pendra. A clearly delighted Nick Schofield had secured himself and Jeremy Scott their first ever Grade 1 winner’s with a performance of the highest order. nly his 3rd hurdles start in the prestigious Tolworth Hurdle. A race won previously by the likes of Noland and Monsignor. In against him again would be Royal Boy, who was seeking revenge from Cheltenham with most people thinking he would have won the previous race had he of got a clearer run, the Evan Williams trained Court Minstrel, the very smart flat performer Poet (2nd in the Group 3 Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown) and the Charlie Longsdon trained Pendra with his trainer not being about to help displaying his excitement for this son of Old Vic. In what looked to be a good renewal of the race, Melodic Rendezvous went off third in the market behind Royal Boy and the high class flat horse Poet.
Welcoming back The Good Horse
Welcoming back The Good Horse
Whilst Nick Schofield was having his toughest task of the day trying to pull up his first ever Grade 1 winner; Melodic Rendezvous’s rather excitable stable lad Steve Croft was setting about seeing a stride at the rail. In one of the best bits of Channel 4 racing coverage of the season; the camera’s caught the Evertonian pinging the rail before setting off celebrating up the Esher hill to collect his pride and joy. As Nick and Steve Croft embraced at the top of the hill, it was fair to say their enthusiasm for The Good Horse was infectious. Steve Croft was asked by Channel 4 racing as he led in Melodic to describe him; the answer was genuine and to the point “Aeroplane”. Few could argue after his charge had cantered all over a Grade 1 field with ease. It is fair to say most people in racing that day were delighted for both Jeremy Scott and Nick Schofield after their first ever Grade 1 success. A real showcase for the talents of both and rounding off a very unlikely fairytale. A cattle farmer come racehorse trainer saddling a Grade 1 winner from a very unlikely source. Where Or When has sired very little to note so far in his career, but in Melodic Rendezvous he had produced a horse of the highest order. As for the owners of the horse; a real dream come true, once again dining at the top table of National Hunt racing with their relatively cheap purchase. Really giving hope to all small owners that one day you may find that “horse of a lifetime”. After the highs of Sandown; it was always going to be hard to match the excitement, but the growing group of fans didn’t have too long to wait as he would make his next start in the Listed Plymouth Novices Hurdle at Exeter. The race was as good as a match bet; the highly impressive Oliver Sherwood trained Puffin Billy lined up to take on the Grade 1 winner. Puffin Billy would be no push over though, having destroyed a Grade 2 field at Ascot on his previous start. He was that impressive that he was actually went of marginal favourite. The conditions at Exeter were grim to put it politely; but a large crowd still attended what was a brilliant renewal of the race.
All Smiles at Exeter
All Smiles at Exeter
Puffin Billy looked to make the heavy ground affair a real brutal test of stamina and took up the running with a long way to go. As they rounded the home bend once again Melodic Rendezvous travelled with supreme ease in behind the front running Puffin Billy. They had drawn a good 20 lengths clear of the field and as they approached the first hurdle in the straight Leighton Aspell set about trying to win the race. The harder he worked the more confident Nick Schofield looked. As they jumped 3 out Nick Scholfield was at pains to draw alongside the long time leader. He tucked his mount in behind the hard ridden favourite and approaching 2 out it was a simple case of how far. Puffin Billy looked a beaten horse as he jumped out to the right with Melodic yet again was electric at his obstacle. As they neared the final flight Nick still hacking on the bridle, he drew alongside the tired Puffin Billy and yet again a perfect leap at the last hurdle. Scholfield lit up his charge under hands and heels riding and soon drew clear on the run for home. In the matter a strides he had put 6 lengths between himself and Puffin Billy; yet again he had run out an emphatic winner! They always say “fortune favours the brave” and once again Jeremy Scott and his team had elected too take on a highly touted rival and their confidence in their star was rewarded. Once again a delighted Steve Croft set off down the home straight celebrating to collect his boy. He was greeted by Nick Schofield smiling ear to ear, barely believing at the ease of the victory. After a 3rd straight easy victory, confidence for the Supreme Novice Hurdle was high. After his debut defeat he had shown a deadly turn off foot at Cheltenham, an electric pace at his hurdles, an ease to travel through a race and the ability to see out the 2 mile trip thoroughly. He had every tool in the box to win a Supreme Novice Hurdle. Excitement was sky high for the Cheltenham Festival curtain raiser but in what can only be describe as horrendously poor luck, Melodic Rendezvous scoped badly on the eve of the Festival. When Jeremy Scott broke the news on Twitter, it became apparent how many people had become fans of this unlikely hero. Within minutes the ever modest Jeremy Scott had bundles of supportive responses expressing their complete disappointment for the whole team. Somethings are just not meant to be; and in this instance unfortunately for everyone involved the Supreme Novice hurdle bid was one of them things. The important thing was The Good Horse was ultimately fine and would be back to fight again. It was an incredible season for the Jeremy Scott team. The closeness of the owners with the Jeremy Scott yard was apparent with Steve Croft riding their point to pointer Cash for Honours to claim 2 second places during the pointing season. I think it safe to say in Jeremy Scott’s and Steve Croft’s hands the horse could not be better looked after. With photo updates regularly being posted of the talented horse relaxing in his box at home.
Steve Croft and his Pride & Joy
Steve Croft and his Pride & Joy
As we come into the 2013-2014 Jump Season Melodic Rendezvous remains highly exciting; and extremely unexposed. It is fair to say that last season we did not see the best of him. He is a horse who is blessed with bags of natural pace and the ability to jump hurdles for fun. He was never extended in any of his victories, and had every chance had he made it the Supreme. Racing is a game fuelled by dreams and for now the dream of Champion Hurdle glory is still a possibility. It is a long and by no means easy road but it should be good fun along the way! Whatever happens this season; win, lose or draw, The Good Horse will always be an absolute legend in my eyes, so fingers crossed he can get a real shot at Cheltenham like he so truly deserves.

Filed Under: Jumps Season 2013-2014, Preview Tagged With: Badger Beer, Cheltenham Festival, jumps racing, Melodic Rendezvous, Wincanton

4,000 Moments of Genius: A poem to celebrate AP McCoy’s amazing achievement

November 7, 2013 by Jonathan Pollinger Leave a Comment

4,000 Moments of Genius: A poem to celebrate AP McCoy’s amazing achievement

Year 2013 7th November A momentous occasion A day to remember! Thursday at Towcester Ten past three The world of racing Is waiting to see. Holding their breath The outcome’s a mystery The time has arrived A moment in history. The day before He stayed in his seat He’d have to wait For his ‘Mission Complete’ But his day would come Very soon With his new best friend ‘Mountain Tune’. A Milestone Standing alone The greatest racer Ever known. His mind tested Years of pain Putting his body Through so much pain. Unsurpassable achievement The best there’s ever been The greatest jockey The planet has seen! Unbelievable! What a career 4000 moments A Genius without fear! Poem by Gary Steer of thesportslyricist.co.uk Feature image by Michael Harris @mjyharris

Filed Under: Jumps Season 2013-2014, News Tagged With: #AP4000, AP McCoy, horse racing, poem, Towcester

JPFestival.com TV: Jump Season 2013-2014 Preview

October 27, 2013 by Jonathan Pollinger Leave a Comment

Watch our Jump Season 2013-2014 Preview Video by selecting the part/s you wish to view below:

Part 1 – Paddy Power Gold Cup
Part 2 – Hennessy Gold Cup
Part 3 – King George VI Chase
Part 4 – Champion Hurdle
Part 5 – Cheltenham Gold Cup
Part 6 – Current State of Betting Markets
Part 7 – Snog, Marry and Avoid

You can also watch the whole video here:

 

Filed Under: Betting, Cheltenham Festival 2014, JPFestival.com TV, Jumps Season 2013-2014, Preview Tagged With: Cheltenham Festival 2014, Geoff Banks, Hennessy, horse racing, king george, Newbury, preview, video

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