Mark Boylan
As an avid follower of jump racing, the emotional bond that develops between racegoer and horse from season to season is like nothing else. Each year, awaiting the reappearance of the previous season’s heroes – often returning late in their careers at the age of 11 or 12 – warms the hearts of racing fans across the land. This season so far has been an extraordinary period for horses returning to do battle on the National Hunt scene, writes Mark Boylan.
After witnessing Haydock Park erupt when fan-favourite Cue Card returned following a brief period in the wilderness in the Gr1 Betfair Chase, I couldn’t help but feel lucky to be involved in a sport with such a great appreciation for these phenomenal equine athletes. Colin Tizzard’s stable star appeared to be back to his brilliant best when delivering an effortless seven length demolition of his old rival Silviniaco Conti, in the first leg of the new jumps ‘triple crown’ series. Although there will certainly be stiffer tasks ahead for the nine year-old over the coming months, jump racing has added another element of excitement with Cue Card rejoining the strongest company in the Gold Cup division.
Willie Mullins’ two-time Cheltenham winner Sir Des Champs defied an absence of almost 700 days to return in style at Thurles, showing he still retains a fair amount of ability after being sidelined through injury. A return to Grade 1 company could soon be on the cards for the former Gold Cup runner-up and his reappearance at Thurles earned him quotes of around 25/1 for the Blue Riband in March.
Bobs Worth & Nicky Henderson (pic; Dave Boylan)
It’s been well documented that trainer Nicky Henderson had a challenging period last season which saw a number of his leading lights fail to fire or even appear due to niggling problems last term. But the master of Seven Barrows was clearly thrilled with the return at Aintree of former Gold Cup winner Bob’s Worth and Arkle Chase champion Simonsig who fought out the finish together on their seasonal debuts. Having these horses back on track is brilliant for racing and the trainer’s patience and enormous efforts to bring these stars back after testing times should be seriously applauded.
Sprinter Sacre (pic: Dave Boylan)
Perhaps most spectacular was the return of Henderson’s Sprinter Sacre; one of the highest rated chasers of all time. Sprinter had been well and truly in the doldrums last season after health problems and a lack of the spark which saw him electrify the sport in previous years. However, Henderson’s hero bounced back extraordinarily in the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham trouncing the completion by 14 lengths in tremendous fashion. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house at Prestbury Park as Sprinter Sacre returned to the winner’s enclosure with the spring of a champion in his step, producing one of the most emotional moments in recent times for National Hunt racing.
Although in racing of all codes, we are constantly searching for the emerging talent and stars of the future, it is truly the magic of the old brigade which brings the greatest cheer to the heart and soul of the jumping scene. In a sport which champions the story of the underdog, this year’s National Hunt season is proving to be one of the most emotive periods in recent memory.
Smashing Smad romps to Hennessy success
Saturday’s Hennessy Gold Cup saw a sublime performance from the very-likeable grey, Smad Place. The eight year-old put his rivals to the sword from flag-fall with an outstanding round of jumping in the hands of Wayne Hutchinson; landing the spoils by an emphatic 12 lengths. Alan King’s star is expected to return to the Cheltenham Festival for the sixth time, where he is currently as short as 10/1 for March’s Gold Cup.
Smad Place will almost definitely have to produce another inspired display to gain his first victory at the Festival with the Gold Cup division being one of the strongest in recent years with the likes of Vautour, Coneygree, Don Cossack, Don Poli, Cue Card, Djakadam and Road To Riches all in contention for Cheltenham glory. It certainly is a race to savour!
Brilliant ‘Being AP’ a must-see
Mark with AP McCoy (pic Dave Boylan)
Racing fans of all codes appear to have received the documentary-film on the legendary AP McCoy exceptionally well, with the movie being strongly supported in cinemas across Ireland and Britain last week. Being AP follows the 20-time champion jockey on the journey of his final season, showing an emotional and intense insight into the mind of the most successful rider in National Hunt history.
After immensely enjoying the film which is full of moments to send shivers down your spine, I couldn’t help but feel a great sadness that we have truly reached the end of an era. An entire age of racing dominated by one man – finished. I have never been alive in a time of any other champion jockey and in my lifetime, there has been no such thing as a ‘title race’ in National Hunt racing. There has only been McCoy.
Throughout the production, we see AP’s almost insane desire for success pushing him to the edge of his physical and mental limits. “Every part of my life was structured and controlled” he said, “but I could never control getting old.”
The film is terrifically well put together and is an enthralling watch for all viewers, from the general public to die-hard racing fans. This is a production which racing can certainly be very proud of and a powerful memento of the final furlong of a sporting legend’s career. Click below to watch the trailer.
Mud-splattered Mardale gains ‘black-type’ at Haydock
Mark with Mardale
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been inspired and in awe of the jockeys who risk life and limb to provide what I consider the greatest sport in the world. I have always taken any opportunity possible to give back to these brave men and women through giving the proceeds of some of my racing themed songs to the Injured Jockeys’ Fund and performing charity concerts over the past few years in aid of the great charity.
Following a performance at a fundraising ball outside Penrith in the United Kingdom last November, I was presented with a phenomenal gesture of a 10% share in a filly from the trainer, Nicky Richards. With this, I would be involved in the racehorse named Mardale for the duration of her racing career and have the opportunity to go racing as part-owner alongside the heavyweights of the National Hunt scene; something I could only have dreamed about.
As everyone in racing is aware, becoming involved in ownership is something that requires a fair amount of luck and usually, a large amount of finance! As a life-long racing fan – who once had short-lived aspirations of becoming a jockey before height and appetite got in the way – the opportunity to join forces with the powerful Nicky Richards team in the shape of Mardale is something I will forever be grateful for and continue to enjoy.
In her short career to-date, Mardale has run on six occasions – always finishing in the first three. On only her second racecourse appearance, she was beaten in a photo finish at Doncaster when ridden by greatest jump jockey of all time, AP McCoy – incredible memories of standing with McCoy in the parade ring will stay with me forever. One of my most special days in racing came on her hurdles debut – coincidently the same day as my eighteenth birthday – when Mardale got her head in front, landing the spoils by four lengths at Hexham.
As Storm Barney and torrid weather wreaked havoc with the ground conditions at racecourses across Ireland and Britain, Mardale remained in her box awaiting more suitable going, rather than racing on the very soft surfaces of the past few weeks. However, at the end of November we were forced to play our hand as opportunities were running out with the Listed Newton Novices’ Hurdle at Haydock Park nominated to be her next target.
The heavens remained open throughout the day with the going officially being described as soft, heavy in places – perhaps not ideal conditions for our mare. However, we were thrilled with Mardale as she finished a very admirable third in highly competitive company on only her second start over hurdles, bumping into a very smart winner who is already quoted for Grade 1 contests at the Cheltenham Festival in March. Finishing third in the listed contest ensures black type for Mardale when she embarks on her breeding career where she will be in the care of her breeder, Frank Motherway who has enjoyed tremendous success with his broodmares. The future is still bright for our mare and with more suitable conditions, here’s hoping that Mardale makes it to the winner’s enclosure again soon.
Eyecatcher – Copper Kay
I was hugely impressed by the Philip Hobbs-trained mare Copper Kay when obliterating her rivals in a Cheltenham bumper recently. Rider Richard Johnson made no secret of the regard which he holds this five year-old, in his Betway column saying “she’s well above average for a mare… we’ve always thought she was a bit special”. Connections of the Kayf Tara mare now face a dilemma whether to stay on the level or opt to tackle hurdles this season. Regardless of whatever sphere she is next seen in, Copper Kay is certainly a name to remember for the future.
