Angels In Memorium, 2012

[my miss storm cat]

I know were not supposed to post things in their entirety but I also know this is okay.

From Mr. Channons website and anyone who reads it knows this name...

YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A GOOD HORSE TO BE A GREAT HORSE

In sport there's seldom time for sentimentality.

We know that.

However, news reached us that a very popular horse has passed on today. He wasn't particularly good and wouldn't cause debate and conversation in your local pub. Except The Harrow in West Ilsley probably.

Alfredtheordinary was aptly named. He was however, honest, genuine and put his all into every task he ever faced. You can't ask for more than that.

His willingness probably led to his downfall, but he brought smiles and admiration to many people. From his nursery win at Kempton in front of 300 punters to his game but abysmal hurdling career that began and ended at Taunton on the very same day.

Most importantly, he got Youmzain ready for two and a half tilts at the Arc.

As Michael Jnr admits, he was a proper horse.

"He was our syndicate flagship horse and more or less lived on the horsebox in his juvenile season. He took me and my mates everywhere and Hugh Bowman still talks about how he had the biggest following for a moderate horse he could ever imagine.

"He was just a horse, I know that, but they don't have to be top class - they help to forge friendships between strangers and give you a hell of a lot of great days to remember.

"He went to war every day - at the races or on the gallops. We used to joke that he was worth £4 Million at home but £400 on the racecourse as he beat Youmzain 90% of the time on the gallops.

"There are so many talented horses that you wish could have Alfred's heart. That's why he was so popular.

"Elaine Harwood looked after him here and Mikaela Burry cared for him in his retirement which should have been much longer than he got. Sadly his willingness did for him as a kissing spine caused him particular problems.

"Russell Brown also doted on him, that makes him a special horse regardless of what he achieved on the racecourse.

"I guess you don't have to be a good horse to be a great horse."

Alfred's duels with Youmzain are still on the Gallop archives and his big day at Kempton can be seen on the Features and Lord Ilsley pages. It's probably the best laugh you can have with regards to watching an over-enthusiastic syndicate winning fifteen hundred quid.


http://mickchannon.tv/page/news