My Soapbox for Equestrian Writings
Freewheelin Dylan caused a seismic shock among racing fans by winning the BoyleSports Irish Grand National as a 150-1 longshot. His win was the greatest upset since the race was established in 1870. Everyone loves an underdog success story and the 9-year old gelding left no doubt he deserved the win by moving to the […]
Read MoreThis is a guest post by London-based writer Dom Smith. He is a longtime follower of U.K. horse racing with a particular fondness for the Grand National event. The Grand National at Aintree is still several months away, but given that winter is relatively quiet on the horse racing circuit, it represents one of the […]
Read More20-1 long shot Lord Windermere made the Cheltenham Gold Cup a nail biter. Although he was at the back of the field for much of the race, the 8-year old gelding ridden by Davy Russell, rallied to win by a half a head with a dramatic sprint. It just goes to show that it’s not where […]
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 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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