Hunt Ball rolls into town

[scanman]

Originally Posted by my miss storm cat

Was wondering if you had thoughts on Long Run who, for some reason, I thought was much older than 9...

Has he had enough or is he just tired? I know they're already talking about next season with him...

Poor old Long Run, he's in a tough spot. He a shadow of what he used to be. I watched the replay of the Grand Steeplechase de Paris, he jumped okay, but doesn't have the pace of horses at that level and is no longer a top class steeplechaser.

Additionally, his handicap mark is too high and it will take losing forever to get it down to a winnable mark to win the big handicaps like the Grand National. If they can find little races like the Kelso win, fine. But I think this is another example of the owner's ego is too big and is writing checks his horse can cash. Sunday's race is another example of that. He had no chance and I can't believe he was 4/1.

It's my understanding that the Waley-Cohen's are financially well off, so they could probably give a care about the financial rewards. But if their intention is to "win races", then they have to lower the bar a bit. The owner has come over for the MD Hunt Cup and his son has ridden in it twice in the last couple of years. Maybe they should give him a chance here. I don't think that he would be competitive at the graded stakes level over National Fences, but maybe. Though, at 9 yrs. old, he would be another excellent candidate to go over Timber.

BTW, I visited the Kentucky Horse Park yesterday and took in the High Hope Steeplechase races. Fantastic racecourse for steeplechasing. Sight lines are a bit dodgy, but still recommend it if you ever have the opportunity.