My Soapbox for Equestrian Writings
An update on Neptune Collonges, winner of the 2012 John Smith’s Aintree Grand National appeared in Horse & Hound, reveals that plans are being made for his retirement. The horse is sound, happy and enjoying the adulation of his fans. According to Georgie Nicholls, the wife of “Nipper’s” trainer: “He’ll be seen again doing something […]
Read MoreAfter a grueling 4 1/2 mile race, you just don’t expect there to be such a close finish. Yesterday, Neptune Collonges edged out Sunnyhillboy by a nose after surging from behind with an amazing run down the home stretch. It was the closest finish in a Grand National. The 11-year old French-bred Thoroughbred was a […]
Read MoreThe Ainsley Grand National is renowned for the number of horses that don’t finish every year. In 2011 only 19 of the 40 horse field crossed the finish line (with a jockey) and two horses died. This week, the Grand National Review Group (with input from the Aintree Racecourse, the British Horseracing Authority, The British […]
Read MoreWhile I’ve always enjoyed watching the Grand National, this year’s race exacted a large price from its competitors: two horses died on course. (Note: you can find images of some of the falls at http://www.dailymail.co.uk) I’ve chosen not to publish them here as they are upsetting. The defenders of National Hunt Club races point to […]
Read MoreFor the first time in 30 years an amateur jockey has one the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Sam Waley-Cohen riding his father’s six year old Long Run, caught the two favorites Kauto Star and Denman coming over the second to last fence and then jumped beautifully over the last to take the victory, winning by seven […]
Read MoreWould your horse let you go on without him? I don’t think Freedom would be content to stay on the sidelines.
Read MoreSaturday was the John Smith’s Grand National steeplechase race at Aintree. I’ve described the Grand National before as a demolition derby and I’m still just amazed at how different this race is from say, Zenyatta’s run in the Apple Blossom. The Grand National doesn’t start with six or seven horses loaded into the starting gate […]
Read MoreJust too funny for words.
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