steeplechase racing

[Hwjb]

Originally Posted by my miss storm cat

On another forum in a parallel universe, I was pretty much told he was in over his head (... in a very nice way, of course) every time he ran.

I shall continue to cheer him on (... even if I don't watch till it's over and I know he's safe).

I don't know who's been telling you that Iris's Gift's not that good. He's won 14 from 23 starts in his career and rates as one of the finest staying hurdlers of all time. Although he won 3 small races, he never really got his jumping together when he went over fences last season, and it came undone in better company. But it is indicative of the lofty regard in which he is held that he was sent of 16/1 seventh favourite in the 22-runner Cheltenham Gold Cup on his final start, the biggest race of the season. He shaped as if amiss there, quickly pulled up, and there is every chance we will see him in a much better light this year. Dominic Elsworth is due to take the ride for the remainder of the season, in place of AP.