2023 Ryanair

[Kevloaf]

Why did Nico say straight after the race…..Ryanair.?

If it’s that obvious he should be in the gold cup, why’s he not being mentioned for it?
Surely owner, trainer and jockey would rather win a gold cup than a Ryanair.
Maybe it’s not such an obvious call for them?

It's obvious to everyone that Honeysuckle should run in the Champion Hurdle and defend her crown though isn't it?


Jockey is selfish and going for the race he's most likely to win. Like Ruby used to do.... it's pragmatic. Does he need to be X number of time Gold Cup winner more than X number of G1 or festival wins? Only he'd know, but it's pretty easy to guess.


People outside want to see the unknowns challenged, the option of the Ryanair, makes it easy to swerve. Only takes 1 of them to want to duck the challenge and it won't happen.

As I've said before, I'd love Shishkin more for attempting the Gold Cup and losing than I will if he wins the Ryanair. Vautour winning the Ryanair is one of the worst things for the sport that's happened.


The stories of horses like Thistlecrack and Coneygree winning King George's and Gold Cups is surely why we love the sport.

Not winning some made-up airplane race that proves which horse is the best at neither distance that they're being bred for.

[Carnage at Taunton]

It's obvious to everyone that Honeysuckle should run in the Champion Hurdle and defend her crown though isn't it?


Jockey is selfish and going for the race he's most likely to win. Like Ruby used to do.... it's pragmatic. Does he need to be X number of time Gold Cup winner more than X number of G1 or festival wins? Only he'd know, but it's pretty easy to guess.


People outside want to see the unknowns challenged, the option of the Ryanair, makes it easy to swerve. Only takes 1 of them to want to duck the challenge and it won't happen.

As I've said before, I'd love Shishkin more for attempting the Gold Cup and losing than I will if he wins the Ryanair. Vautour winning the Ryanair is one of the worst things for the sport that's happened.


The stories of horses like Thistlecrack and Coneygree winning King George's and Gold Cups is surely why we love the sport.

Not winning some made-up airplane race that proves which horse is the best at neither distance that they're being bred for.

Yep, I know what we want to see.
And I understand your reasoning.

But I still don’t understand trainer and owner on this.
So I feel there’s maybe something we don’t know ?

[Kevloaf]

Yep, I know what we want to see.
And I understand your reasoning.

But I still don’t understand trainer and owner on this.

Suppose it would depend on trainer and owner as individuals

[Rooster Booster]

Yep, I know what we want to see.
And I understand your reasoning.

But I still don’t understand trainer and owner on this.
So I feel there’s maybe something we don’t know ?

1) do you think he’s good enough ratings wise to go close or win a GC
2) do you think he will stay
3) do you think the owner should decide

Personally I think the answer to all 3 is yes. I’d need my trainer or jockey to convince me that the answer is not yes to these questions. If they say I don’t know to one or more of these questions then I’d thank them for not knowing and make a decision myself.

The only thing I believe the jockey and trainer can say with certainty is he’d have more chance of winning a Ryanair than a gold cup.....as they say in the states go fucking figure (without the fucking as they are far too conservative).

[Carnage at Taunton]

Suppose it would depend on trainer and owner as individuals

Well I certainly don’t think the Jockey should decide, unless it really is clear that he feels the horse is not suited to the gold cup this season after riding him, and he’s convinced them.
Thing is he said it straight away, no thought of anything else it seems.
They should discuss now they have had more time imo

[opatcho]

They have got this horse winning again, why push it by go for the gold cup - apart from “it’s the gold cup!!!!” - and risk being back at square one with him

I ain’t the trainer, if I was, I’d run him in the Ryanair where he is likely going to win, then take on the gold cup horses at aintree over 3 miles - nice step up to that distance.
win that, and then campaign him for the King George

Those saying he should go the gold cup I hope are the same folks saying the Ryanair shouldn’t exist

[The hill]

He's going the ryainair...let's move on please 

[Rooster Booster]

He's going the ryainair...let's move on please 

Sure ...want to start us off

[Carnage at Taunton]

They have got this horse winning again, why push it by go for the gold cup - apart from “it’s the gold cup!!!!” - and risk being back at square one with him

I ain’t the trainer, if I was, I’d run him in the Ryanair where he is likely going to win, then take on the gold cup horses at aintree over 3 miles - nice step up to that distance.
win that, and then campaign him for the King George

Those saying he should go the gold cup I hope are the same folks saying the Ryanair shouldn’t exist

Yep, that’s probably what will happen.
Its easier and less risky for the horse, but he hoses up In Ryanair, it’s inevitable what will be said re Gold Cup, and what could have been.
Just hope he can stay sound and be given a try over 3m at Aintree or next season.

[Eggs]

…JoB leaving Fakir in but wouldn’t be surprised if they skip Cheltenham.

[Lobos]

…JoB leaving Fakir in but wouldn’t be surprised if they skip Cheltenham.

Yep. Already said as much. Aintree it is unless Shishkin injury woes reappear.

[Winging The Last]

David Casey says Haut En Couleurs is a none runner

[Stormez]

The bet for me in the race now is Shishkin to win by 10+ lengths @ 11/2. Can see him coming to the last a couple ahead & powering clear up the hill.

[Imperial Commander]

Coral offer a sort of halfway house on this in their specials - to win by more than 4.5 lengths @ 3-1.

[Exar Essay]

Coral offer a sort of halfway house on this in their specials - to win by more than 4.5 lengths @ 3-1.

I think that's perfectly weighted. I think he'll win well, but 10 lengths is huge. It just takes one of Fury Road, Janidil, Blue Road etc. to run their race and that bets dead. But if all horses arrive in their best form, I could still see Shishkin winning by 5 lengths