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.

[my miss storm cat]

Thanks for the info.

[my miss storm cat]

Kauto Star, Kingscliff and Beefy..... does Iris's Gift have a shot tomorrow?

Good luck, good boy.

[brockguy]

Kauto, amazing today, simply stunning!!!!

[Hwjb]

Originally Posted by my miss storm cat

Kauto Star, Kingscliff and Beefy..... does Iris's Gift have a shot tomorrow?

Good luck, good boy.

Iris's Gift seems to have gone since switched to fences, his engine which was such an asset over hurdles just doesn't seem to be there anymore.

That said, he, nor the rest of the field had any chance against the truly outstanding Kauto Star on Saturday. Very possibly the best horse I've ever seen.

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by Hwjb

Iris's Gift seems to have gone since switched to fences, his engine which was such an asset over hurdles just doesn't seem to be there anymore.

That said, he, nor the rest of the field had any chance against the truly outstanding Kauto Star on Saturday. Very possibly the best horse I've ever seen.

Yeah, I couldn't really be sad for my boy after watching that.....

He was glorious!

[my miss storm cat]

Sad, sad news.....

Poor baby.


Iris's Gift - broke down on the gallops.

GIFT CAREER OVER


Former Stayers' Hurdle winner Iris's Gift has been retired.

The nine-year-old broke down badly on Jonjo O'Neill's gallops on Wednesday and sustained a leg injury.

Iris's Gift's owner Robert Lester said: "We are absolutely gutted. Iris's Gift gave us so much fun and it is a shattering blow.

"Now we must ensure that we find him a good home so we can visit him regularly."

O'Neill's crack hurdler won 14 races from 25 starts but never progressed into the chasing star connections envisaged.

Pulled up in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the grey's two starts this season yielded fifth-placed finishes in the Charlie Hall and the Betfair Chase.

He was a different proposition over smaller obstacles, however, with his defining moment coming at the 2004 Cheltenham Festival, when he showed real class to defeat Baracouda by a length and a half in the Stayers' Hurdle.

"It is so sad as Jonjo felt that Iris's Gift still had what it takes to make it as a chaser," Lester told the Racing Post.

http://www.sportinglife.com/racing/n...CING_Gift.html

[brockguy]

Its sad to see Iris's retire.. that win against Baracouda was remarkable. I remember being there and he was so strong up the finish. I backed Baracouda but admired such a brilliant winner. It was a shame really that he didnt get on quite as well over fences, but at least he is still alive and Im sure he'll be well looked after in retirement!