Quote:
Originally Posted by my miss storm cat
To preface this, I watched both which is a kinda strange complement - I NEVER watch these things until I know what happened and how many fallers there were. I just cannot stomach it easily BUT do watch and enjoy following the occasional horse like Hunt Ball so there... I put my trust in you.  (I figured you wouldn't post replays if they were too, well... if there were graphic and horrid injuries).
Okay with that out of the way... Thank you for the replay from today... what a brave horse he is. I had only seen the very end so appreciate it. He really is amazing.
(Was happy to hear that both Duke Of Lucca and Tom O'Brien are okay.)
Regarding Lacdoudal (and yes, I did see you standing on one of those observation posts  )... that was nuts! Four and a half years without a win and then that? That was astonishing... so impressive, as was Garde Champetre (sp)!
Thanks for posting both! Sizing Australia was the only horse I had heard of in the one from 2010, I'm ashamed to say. |
Glad you enjoyed the races. I appreciate the compliment and trust. Additionally, I will be careful not to post races with a lot of fallers in them. I do appreciate/admire your interest in the jumping game. Hopefully, some day you will be able to go to a few meets.
I LOVE cross country steeplechasing and the horses that compete in them. That is why I hold Balthazar King is such high regard. I enjoy flat racing, but the equine athletes that run and jump are so much more exciting to watch. I could only dream of owning a horse like Balthazar.
I had a press credential for the 2010 Cheltenham Open meet and had the opportunity to walk and photograph the cross country course prior to racing. Additionally, I had the great pleasure to meet and be accompanied by Mr. Richard Linley (jockey of Gaye Brief fame and now UK course inspector). It was awesome watching the race from the stand and enjoying Richard's expert insight.
When handicapping the cross country race, I always give Philip Hobbs' horses a second look and did have a nice bet on Lacdouldal, despite his long absence from the winner enclosure. Mr. Hobbs is the a true professional and I think a bit underrated. On the same trip, I was walking/photographing Taunton racecourse and I met up with him walking the other direction. He had a stick with him, checking the state of the ground. Just another detail that most trainers would take for granted. He was kind and greeted me, but I did not want to disrupt his walk and engage him in a chat.
The things I miss about living in the UK/Europe.