Festival racing golden moment

[Eggs]

….RB winning the GC was not good for my pocket but it was a terrific moment.

 

[FinalFurlong91]

Paddy Mullins with the ride of the century.

How he got that mule to win will forever be one of life's mysteries

 

[opatcho]

That’s the golden moment for me, Rachael winning the Gold Cup.
I felt a little sorry for her last season that she won all those races with no one there to really cheer her on

so please that she’s been able to win the gold cup, have that buzz up the hill, on a horse that really need some credit

I remember Rachael winning on A Plud Tard in that handicap race (think it the one they’ve got rid off) who would have thought that horse would come second in a Ryanair, second in a gold cup and then come back and win it. A Plus Tard is so under valued IMO as a horse, he’s been brilliant, and it’s so fitting for Rachael to win the GC on APT

With the state of the RSA, and GDC being talked up as a potential 2 miler, we could see APT leading the GC market for most of the year now

And to think Rachael won on Honeysuckle 4 days earlier


the other highlight for me was Willie Mullins post race reaction to winning the QMGC, for a guy who’s won pretty much everything, I didn’t think I’d see he react that way after winning the champion chase. A touching moment


anddd let’s not forget about Tiger Roll!!

 

[Silverbirch]

Billaway. The noise, the horrendous round of jumping. The win, incredible.

 

[Quevega]

I think we have seen some of the best horses for a long while.
The five that stood out from the younger end were, in no particular order.

Constitution Hill
Facile Vega
Lomme Presse
Galopin des Champs
Vauban

I think the races and divisions theses were in were deeper than in previous years. I expect that the ratings Guru's will rank all 5 very highly in comparison to previous renewals.

And in the older horses

Energumene
Allaho
A Plus Tard

Pretty sure there is at least 1 that is destined for 180+
All three are very close to that already and maybe Energumene would have got that had Shishkin not been on an off day.

The Nice Guy probably deserves a mention also, alongside Sir Gerhard, but the races they both ran in didn't look as strong IMO.

 

[Ice]

It's been a fantastic festival with so many wonderful moments, some superb horses to look forward to next year.

 

[Supermaster]

That’s the golden moment for me, Rachael winning the Gold Cup.
I felt a little sorry for her last season that she won all those races with no one there to really cheer her on

so please that she’s been able to win the gold cup, have that buzz up the hill, on a horse that really need some credit

I remember Rachael winning on A Plud Tard in that handicap race (think it the one they’ve got rid off) who would have thought that horse would come second in a Ryanair, second in a gold cup and then come back and win it. A Plus Tard is so under valued IMO as a horse, he’s been brilliant, and it’s so fitting for Rachael to win the GC on APT

With the state of the RSA, and GDC being talked up as a potential 2 miler, we could see APT leading the GC market for most of the year now

And to think Rachael won on Honeysuckle 4 days earlier


the other highlight for me was Willie Mullins post race reaction to winning the QMGC, for a guy who’s won pretty much everything, I didn’t think I’d see he react that way after winning the champion chase. A touching moment


anddd let’s not forget about Tiger Roll!!

Yes Rachael in her post race interview with the ITV team was quite lost for words - still coming down from the intensity of it all. Interesting that she did talk about having the horses she wanted around her so it shows she (and other jockeys) do plot out how they want the race to pan out.

Willie Mullins comes across as a decent thoughtful guy - I can't imagine him losing his cool but I'm sure he knows how to get his message across to the team. The other trainers are going to have to work hard to match him on this showing..

 

[Supermaster]

I think we have seen some of the best horses for a long while.
The five that stood out from the younger end were, in no particular order.

Constitution Hill
Facile Vega
Lomme Presse
Galopin des Champs
Vauban

I think the races and divisions theses were in were deeper than in previous years. I expect that the ratings Guru's will rank all 5 very highly in comparison to previous renewals.

And in the older horses

Energumene
Allaho
A Plus Tard

Pretty sure there is at least 1 that is destined for 180+
All three are very close to that already and maybe Energumene would have got that had Shishkin not been on an off day.

The Nice Guy probably deserves a mention also, alongside Sir Gerhard, but the races they both ran in didn't look as strong IMO.

The rest of this season and the start of the next (in the autumn) are going to be fascinating. Will Ahoy Senor get his jumping sorted? How will Venetia handle L'Homme Presse? Will Vauban be a live champion hurdle contender? Somebody quipped that flat racing for Mullins (e.g. Vauban in Melbourne Cup) is for his failed jumpers!
Will Edwardstone progress to be a Champion Chase contender?

Big thanks to everyone on the forum - adds to the enjoyment of the racing.

 

[Platty]

Just a completely amazing week and no-one will ever convince me that there is a better 4 days of sport anywhere in the world. 43 festivals for me now and already looking forward to next year. Hopefully however I'm not going to be spend every available minute of my waking hours on this forum & poring over form - been well worth it this year though for me a very profitable festival. Thanks to all & everyone of you for all your input & look forward to your continued contributions. All the very best!

 

[The Giant Bolster]

For me the highlight is usually those races where they turn for home with all the contenders where they'd like to be and the puzzle we've been trying to solve all year resolved without any excuses. Two that stood out for me were the Stayers where we saw Flooring Porter, Klassical Dream, Champ, Paisley Park and Thyme Hill all with a chance to run their race turning for home and the Triumph with the front six in the market battling it out. Brilliant races with worthy champions.

 

[Irish Rugby]

For me the highlight is usually those races where they turn for home with all the contenders where they'd like to be and the puzzle we've been trying to solve all year resolved without any excuses. Two that stood out for me were the Stayers where we saw Flooring Porter, Klassical Dream, Champ, Paisley Park and Thyme Hill all with a chance to run their race turning for home and the Triumph with the front six in the market battling it out. Brilliant races with worthy champions.

Agreed. I also like those races where most if not all of the season's protagonists get to the race in the first place. We had that in the Stayers and the Gold Cup, the Champion Chase and Champion Hurdle for the most part (Sharjah being the only obvious one). Adding in Allaho, we've had the cream rising to the top.

It's actually been a good advert still to bet AP, despite all the other reasons out there not to. I had many friends turning up last weekend wanting a bet, only to be told about A Plus Tard, Flooring Porter etc, but they were having none of that, and spent every race trying to get these beat. One of them hit the jackpot with Marie's Rock at 18s, but then gave most of it back on Wednesday.

 

[nortonscoin200]

In no particular order:

Patrick Mullins face and body was so caked in mud he looked like he'd just completed a shift down a coal mine when he got back to the winners enclosure on Facile Vega. But the look of pure joy Patrick and Willie shared when he dismounted was something I'll remember for a long time. It didn't really have anything to do with racing - it was just a very personal father and son moment. Willie looked so proud of Patrick and Patrick looked so pleased to have given his dad that moment of joy. I probably haven't explained it very well but it certainly struck a chord with me as I stood in the pouring rain a few yards the other side of the paddock rail.

Anyone who had a hefty wager on Tiger Roll will have to forgive me but I thought this race was the finest moment of his entire career. It was truly heroic even though it ended in defeat. To watch him roll back the years at the age of 12 and stride ahead in the closing stages was simply epic. Then to see him keep on battling all the way to the line against a Gold Cup horse was lump in the throat stuff. Thought Davy and Jack handled it really well by returning to the paddock side by side so Tiger could get the send-off he deserved. And what a send-off. It didn't matter that he'd lost, everyone wanted to salute an equine legend - Tiger will live in our hearts for a long time.

Agree with archie that watching Galopin Des Champs walk away after his fall was certainly the moment of greatest relief at the Festival.

Went to Gold Cup Day with my wife and Vauban finally put me in profit. So we splashed out on a couple of those ridiculously priced Champagne flutes in the bar below the parade ring. Standing there in the warm sunshine watching the horses heads bobbing in the paddock before the County - after backing a winner to get ahead of the game with the person who always brings me luck - was just great. I wouldn't have wished to be anywhere else on earth.

I've always loved football but I'm not a big fan of footie chants in the winners enclosure at the Festival. But there were still huge crowds (the biggest I can remember) outside in the sunshine when the horses were at the start for the final race of the meeting. I was completely puzzled when hundreds (if not thousands) of punters in the Best Mate grandstand started chanting and waving their arms. The sound of singing was drifting across the track on the breeze but it was difficult to make out what it was all about. Then loads of punters in front of the main grandstand joined in - followed by punters up in the posh seats. The chant was Please Don't Take Me Home, I wanna stay here and drink all your beer, please don't please don't take me home. It was just fantastic, such appropriate words felt by everyone with the curtain about to come down on the Festival. Absolutely brilliant the way two groups about 100 yards apart joined together to form an impromptu and well lubricated choir with everyone sharing the same sentiment. I've never seen that happen before at the Festival but I hope it becomes the annual swan-song before the final cavalry charge.

I'd struggle to pick one jockey or one horse to highlight as the sweetest moment but the 2022 Festival will surely be remembered for Rachel completely breaking the mould for women jockeys - and for being such a grounded and modest superstar to boot.

 

[Craigy14]

In no particular order:

Patrick Mullins face and body was so caked in mud he looked like he'd just completed a shift down a coal mine when he got back to the winners enclosure on Facile Vega. But the look of pure joy Patrick and Willie shared when he dismounted was something I'll remember for a long time. It didn't really have anything to do with racing - it was just a very personal father and son moment. Willie looked so proud of Patrick and Patrick looked so pleased to have given his dad that moment of joy. I probably haven't explained it very well but it certainly struck a chord with me as I stood in the pouring rain a few yards the other side of the paddock rail.

Anyone who had a hefty wager on Tiger Roll will have to forgive me but I thought this race was the finest moment of his entire career. It was truly heroic even though it ended in defeat. To watch him roll back the years at the age of 12 and stride ahead in the closing stages was simply epic. Then to see him keep on battling all the way to the line against a Gold Cup horse was lump in the throat stuff. Thought Davy and Jack handled it really well by returning to the paddock side by side so Tiger could get the send-off he deserved. And what a send-off. It didn't matter that he'd lost, everyone wanted to salute an equine legend - Tiger will live in our hearts for a long time.

Agree with archie that watching Galopin Des Champs walk away after his fall was certainly the moment of greatest relief at the Festival.

Went to Gold Cup Day with my wife and Vauban finally put me in profit. So we splashed out on a couple of those ridiculously priced Champagne flutes in the bar below the parade ring. Standing there in the warm sunshine watching the horses heads bobbing in the paddock before the County - after backing a winner to get ahead of the game with the person who always brings me luck - was just great. I wouldn't have wished to be anywhere else on earth.

I've always loved football but I'm not a big fan of footie chants in the winners enclosure at the Festival. But there were still huge crowds (the biggest I can remember) outside in the sunshine when the horses were at the start for the final race of the meeting. I was completely puzzled when hundreds (if not thousands) of punters in the Best Mate grandstand started chanting and waving their arms. The sound of singing was drifting across the track on the breeze but it was difficult to make out what it was all about. Then loads of punters in front of the main grandstand joined in - followed by punters up in the posh seats. The chant was Please Don't Take Me Home, I wanna stay here and drink all your beer, please don't please don't take me home. It was just fantastic, such appropriate words felt by everyone with the curtain about to come down on the Festival. Absolutely brilliant the way two groups about 100 yards apart joined together to form an impromptu and well lubricated choir with everyone sharing the same sentiment. I've never seen that happen before at the Festival but I hope it becomes the annual swan-song before the final cavalry charge.

I'd struggle to pick one jockey or one horse to highlight as the sweetest moment but the 2022 Festival will surely be remembered for Rachel completely breaking the mould for women jockeys - and for being such a grounded and modest superstar to boot.

Good post but that chant/song makes me want to gag :biggrin-new:

 

[Big Bucks]

There was plenty of golden moments and I have finally narrowed it down to 2!

Personally for me the Gold Cup just nicks it for me, I think alot of people down played the race, the runners etc but I disagree, I thought it was a very good renewal and one I was looking forward too. And it didn't disappoint! Seeing all the big hitters turning in, and finding it fascinating watching them thinking who is going to blink 1st, this is going to be a great finish, and bias kicked in, but when APT bolted clear I found it very special and will be one of my favourite Gold Cups in years! Was extra special for the sport with Rachael winning, think she deserved it, was so unfortunate to not win it last year.

In 2nd place All revolves around the Stayers. Again the finish was special with all the main contenders in with a chance, but the ride from Danny Mullins, take a bow Sir, ride of the week. Back to back Stayers, not an easy feat, matched my name sake who I believe was one of a kind in that division, but FP is reaching if not already that standard! The after part aswell, I too not a huge fan of football chants at the races, unless they are witty and relevant to the horse or connections. Like horse name making a song to go with it or something. But the celebrations from the Syndicate, owners etc looked special, especially with the back story off buying of it. The guys where lapping it up and fair fucking play to them! Also enjoyed the singing "There's only one Danny Mullins" thought that was special, relatable and deserving for the Jockey who is/was underrated!

 

[MadeinJapan]

Particular highlights for me:
- Danny Boy's ride of the Festival on Flooring Porter, nailing an 80/1 treble
- APT surging clear up the hill to decimate the Gold Cup field
- Some outstanding novices: Constitution Hill, GDC, Vauban
- Bumping into Kevloaf & jono on the course

 

[ComplyOrDie]

Well, where to start.

I have a few, so I'm going to start where the festival started.

Constitution Hill. Why is this a golden moment? Well personally I backed him with cash and verbally on here, to be the machine he certainly looks to be. It would have been nice to see how close Dysart would have been to him, so we could have some sort of gauge to the 'best' of the Irish that were in the race, but this looks to be the start of something special, with Constitution Hill, though. I was expecting a level of performance but that was ridiculous. Imagine being Nicky and pretending not to know which one of Jonbon or Constitution Hill were better :highly_amused:

Honeysuckle. Retaining a Champion Hurdle is no mean feat. She goes right up there (if she wasn't already) with the best mares we have ever seen, for me. She's just ridiculously good, and more importantly, reliable.

Tiger Roll. Maybe it wasn't a 'golden moment' for some, because he tasted defeat, but jeez, what a horse we've been lucky enough to witness, in our lifetime. The days of talking about Red Rum etc... way before my time, I always felt were 'overplayed' because until you witness greatness yourself it is hard to see or gauge what the fuss was all about. Tiger has achieved this and some for me. Two Grand Nationals, 5 time Cheltenham Festival winner, just incredible, and I wish him the greatest retirement of all. Thank you Tiger.

Allaho/Flooring Porter. I've coupled these two, just for being able to retain their titles. Absolutely brilliant from both of them, and fantastic rides yet again. The owners of FP were fantastic, and it's so nice they were able to experience it all a second time around with an actual crowd present.

A Plus Tard/Rachael Blackmore. Incredible performance from A Plus Tard, like seriously incredible. To finish a Gold Cup like that, was impressive, to say the least, no matter what the 'time boys' are saying. As for Rachael, well, what more can she do? Literally? A Grand National, two time Champion Hurdle and now a Gold Cup winner, seriously, seriously good at what she does, and all this 'women can't compete' nonsense, she's showing it to be a load of tosh, if you're good enough then you're good enough, it's simple. She's probably the best NH jockey around, for me, on her day.

 

[Old Vic]

Jockey: I think for those not looking at racing on a daily basis the success of Rachael Blackmore on a A Plus Tard is the golden moment. It is the only one that was front page news. I just see her as a great jockey now but there is a case for zooming out and recognising the historic (female) element of it.

Horse: Constitution Hill for me - missed the prices but his performance was mind blowing. Set a track record and now the highest rated novice hurdler in Timeform history. I hope he stays well.

Pocket: The Grand Annual winner.

 

[Deleted member 4957]

Jockey: I think for those not looking at racing on a daily basis the success of Rachael Blackmore on a A Plus Tard is the golden moment. It is the only one that was front page news. I just see her as a great jockey now but there is a case for zooming out and recognising the historic (female) element of it.

Horse: Constitution Hill for me - missed the prices but his performance was mind blowing. Set a track record and now the highest rated novice hurdler in Timeform history. I hope he stays well.

Pocket: The Grand Annual winner.

Are we not well past the female thing with Rachel now OV, I appreciate the media love to stick labels on everyone but for me she is just the best jockey around.
The ride she gave APT was sublime, incredible patience and judgement on the biggest stage of them all…

 

[Old Vic]

Are we not well past the female thing with Rachel now OV, I appreciate the media love to stick labels on everyone but for me she is just the best jockey around.
The ride she gave APT was sublime, incredible patience and judgement on the biggest stage of them all…

For sure. I think most racing fans see it that way which is what she seems to want for herself.

 

[Deleted member 4957]

For sure. I think most racing fans see it that way which is what she seems to want for herself.

What makes her so likeable is her level of humility, she is always so humble in interviews and the first to thank others and bypassing her own brilliance.
She has been an absolute breath of fresh air for NH racing...