It is hard to believe that half the season has gone already, but gone it has. After the Festive action the last week a few conclusions can start to be drawn with the Festival in March just over 10 weeks away. A few big names are still yet to appear but most have shown their faces and the Festival markets are starting to take some sort of shape. As the New Year dawns the time seems ripe to reflect on what has happened and in particular look forward to what might happen in March. I will be having a look at the key contenders in the key races and hopefully arrive at a few tentative conclusions. With any luck these might prove correct come March but, as Kauto Star has shown, in racing things can change very quickly indeed.
First of all I must reflect on a wonderful King George VI Chase. From a personal perspective it could hardly have gone any better with Kauto Star, Long Run and Captain Chris coming home as predicted. It was a terrific result both financially and emotionally. There is little more that I can add to the praise heaped upon Kauto Star after another quite magnificent performance. He is something else and if he can add a 3rd Gold Cup to his incomparable record then perhaps Arkle's long established position at the top of the tree might be under threat. I think most would agree that this season he has put distance between himself and the rest in the 'Greatness Stakes'. What is certain is that we will not see a horse with his record for a very long time, if ever. It really is remarkable. A brilliant horse, a brilliant race and a brilliant day. It was a privilege to be there.
I will include reviews of the other key events within the relevant races. I think it is dangerous to get too set in your views this early on but it is most definitely worthwhile to take an early look at the races to see what conclusions can already be made. Things can change so quickly that whilst strong opinions are invaluable, the ability to change is essential.
So many races to look forward to over the coming year. The Cheltenham countdown begins in earnest, and once the Champions are crowned at Cheltenham, Aintree and the Punchestown signal the end of the jumps season. We then have the fantastic prospect of seeing the mighty Frankel tackling 10f for the first time, plus a new Classic generation to enjoy. 2012 looks like being as good as ever.
Here is the list of posts;
1. Cheltenham Gold Cup
2. Champion Hurdle
3. Champion Chase
4. World Hurdle
5. Supreme Novices' Hurdle
6. Arkle Trophy
7. Jewson Novices' Chase
First of all I must reflect on a wonderful King George VI Chase. From a personal perspective it could hardly have gone any better with Kauto Star, Long Run and Captain Chris coming home as predicted. It was a terrific result both financially and emotionally. There is little more that I can add to the praise heaped upon Kauto Star after another quite magnificent performance. He is something else and if he can add a 3rd Gold Cup to his incomparable record then perhaps Arkle's long established position at the top of the tree might be under threat. I think most would agree that this season he has put distance between himself and the rest in the 'Greatness Stakes'. What is certain is that we will not see a horse with his record for a very long time, if ever. It really is remarkable. A brilliant horse, a brilliant race and a brilliant day. It was a privilege to be there.
I will include reviews of the other key events within the relevant races. I think it is dangerous to get too set in your views this early on but it is most definitely worthwhile to take an early look at the races to see what conclusions can already be made. Things can change so quickly that whilst strong opinions are invaluable, the ability to change is essential.
So many races to look forward to over the coming year. The Cheltenham countdown begins in earnest, and once the Champions are crowned at Cheltenham, Aintree and the Punchestown signal the end of the jumps season. We then have the fantastic prospect of seeing the mighty Frankel tackling 10f for the first time, plus a new Classic generation to enjoy. 2012 looks like being as good as ever.
Here is the list of posts;
1. Cheltenham Gold Cup
2. Champion Hurdle
3. Champion Chase
4. World Hurdle
5. Supreme Novices' Hurdle
6. Arkle Trophy
7. Jewson Novices' Chase
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