The early morning mist enveloped the upper reaches of Cleeve Hill. At ground level, the icy March rime clung to the surrounding trees and yet it did not forebode the splendour which was to follow. Within hours the sun would break through and the thronging masses would swell the grandstands overlooking Prestbury Park’s hallowed turf. Two horses left the relatively warm confines of their overnight stables as their work riders eased out a rein to afford gentle morning exercise before their historic confrontation later that day. Yet it was not essentially English blood which coursed through their veins. These magnificent equine specimens were a throwback to Angevinian times- French breds evoking the halcyon days of the Planta Genista. Their fathers, Cadoudal and Village Star, had already joined their ancestors in the hereafter, and these two sons were their final testament to the greatness of the Plantagenet line. As the twelve year old chestnut approached the seven year old bay, he snorted his warm breath into the cold Spring air and eyeballed him in contempt. Like Plantagenet King Richard over eight hundred years before him, he had lost his English kingdom to this pretender- this Prince John, usurper of thrones. The bay stared back defiantly. Humility and condescension had never lodged in this family’s heart. The crown was his and he intended to keep it. The two horses walked away from each other. Eight hours later, they would meet again..... The early morning mist and frost had long gone. Clear blue skies and bright sunshine were the harbinger of impending destiny. Cheltenham had never seen greater crowds . The stands were packed to overflowing and the rails bulged their convexity towards that final climb to the winning post. Having quietly circled in the off-course collection area, the starter mounted his rostrum, flag tightly held. The audience dimmed its cacophony in anticipation. Three more French pretenders, Medermit and the greys Grands Crus and Quel Esprit, walked from the back to join the group. Jockeys pressed their knees into their mounts’ flanks, urging them to come out onto the course. The starter raised his flag and, as the tapes rose, a deafening roar presaged the initial thrust to the first fence.... Kauto Star takes to the rails in the lead and, with a mighty leap, soars over the first fence. The crowd roars in appreciation. Coming to the second, Kauto is joined by Midnight Chase, and they jump the fence in unison. Quel Esprit races in third, closely followed by Time For Rupert with the favourite, Long Run, close up in fifth. Burton Port, China Rock, What A Friend, and Grands Crus make up the midfield- with Medermit, Diamond Harry and Weird Al next. The rest are well grouped behind these and Tidal Bay brings up the rear. Going out into the country, Midnight Chase takes up the running- with Kauto going easily a length adrift on the rails. Over the third and on to the Water , the order remains unchanged as they race on the far side and head towards an open ditch , followed by two plain fences as they make their way to the top of the hill. Down the hill to a plain fence- and Quel Esprit ‘s nemesis strikes again; he pitches on landing, giving his rider no chance of staying on board. A mistake there from Long Run also- he ploughs through the top of it, but his momentum is barely checked. At the last downhill fence before the straight. Kauto springs over it and joins Midnight Chase up front. Behind China Rock is given a reminder, but Grands Crus and Diamond Harry are both travelling ominously well. Long Run is only six lengths off the lead, but Tidal Bay is toiling in arrears. Captain Chris has been jumping badly and is pulled up. Into the straight and out into the country again, they head out on their final circuit. Over the Water and an open ditch, Midnight Chase still leads, but Kauto races well within himself- and is jumping beautifully. Weird Al and Burton Port start to make progress from the rear as Grands Crus flies the next plain fence and moves into third. Long Run has made a place into fourth, but Diamond Harry makes a bad mistake- and his rythm has gone. Onto the far side now- with seven to jump. Kauto takes over as Midnight Chases’s jockey gives him two hefty slaps with the whip. Grands Crus jumps past Midnight Chase at the next. Long Run is galloping inexorably in third, and Burton Port makes a move into fourth. Medermit’s rider urges him into fifth- with Weird Al hot on his heels. Over the last open ditch now and one plain fence before they descend the hill for the final four obstacles. Weird Al makes a mistake there and, as they make their way downhill, Kauto presses on and opens up a four lengths lead. Grands Crus responds and closes to two lengths, with Long Run and Burton Port two lengths further back. Weird Al and Diamond Harry are backpedalling, but Medermit is staying on in fifth. At the notorious downhill third last, Kauto’s rider takes a peep backwards under his armpits and, with a perfect stride, leaps into a four lengths lead. Burton Port has gone there and, as they round the bend to the second last, Kauto goes for home. The crowd howls with delight. All out to the last now. The whips are drawn. Kauto shortens up for the final fence and Grands Crus closes to two lengths with Long Run half a length back. Medermit is only a length behind him- and is not without a chance. As Kauto Star touches down in his bid for immortality, one thing is certain- a French bred horse will win the 2012 Cheltenham Gold Cup.... The result will be announced at around 3.30pm on Friday, 16th March. Members are invited to predict the outcome- or an alternative race altogether.
I take it that Quel Spirit being remounted and winning is now illegal? Nice scenrio Tam, and although I have Long Run in an antepost accy, I really hope it's Kauto
Reebok, I hope it's Kauto, too. I wasn't intending to be unkind in putting Quel Esprit on the deck- just varying the commentary. He might actually run really well. How ironic it would be if he beat Long Run- his paternal uncle!
Can you imagine if Kauto Star jumps the last in the lead?!?! That's the sort of scenario I live for. Great read Tam. Failing that I have a really soft spot for Midnight Chase and I'd love to see him run a big race and grab a place! I do think it's a case of Long Run versus fences though. Burton Port is fascinating too.
George, if Kauto did manage to reclaim his crown for a second time, the roof would come off Cheltenham and he'd be guaranteed a statue next to the mighty Arkle! I love National Hunt racing in all its forms. It's pure magic. Also, no sport translates better onto colour television- it's a good second to actually "being there." On all evidence this year, it's hard not to see Long Run getting past him on the drive to the line- but fate may play a hand. Who knows? On the other hand, one of the pretenders may have a say. What anticipation and massive thrill for us all, and we've got all the other races as well!
Ron, why's that? Frightened of putting the mockers on him? You watch him, Ron- you'll bring him luck!
Onya Tam. Nice one mate. I would really love to see the great Kauto Star and the young pretender Long Run, drop the rest of them when push comes to shove. With two fences to go, I'd like to see Kauto Star charge to the front and have Long Run, conceding a length or so, try to run him down. When the legend leads and the hounds begin to chase him to ground, the poor old racing fan is in for a torrid time. If Kauto Star is in the race with a couple to go, he will win, if the will of the people counts for anything.
