The 2016 Queen Mother Champion Chase

Phew. How long ago would that have been called a dead heat?

 

The champ at his best. I was there that day.

 

I'm going Wednesday and been looking at the champion chase and I really think Felixs younger has got a good chance at the price., he's been in top form this year. I'm not sure vautour will turn up and un de sceaux is a worthy favourite but he's prone to make a few mistakes with his jumping. As far as I know these two have never met so who knows I don't know who'll ride but the Mullins kid has been riding but he's out injured. Special tiara is worth a mention.any thoughts.

 

I wonder will they sidestep Cheltenham with Felix Yonger and head for Japan in April to try and win the Nakayama Grand Jump and emulate Blackstairmountain's win in 2013. Being realistic, he only has very slim place chances if he lines up at HQ and would relish firmer ground which he would get in Tokyo.

I read an article form The Irish Times not long ago stating the Japan option was a strong possibility, very costly though apparently. If he does line up at HQ next week them I guess he will be expected to run a big race there.

 

He's won on all types of ground and the wylies will want to run him

 

Can't see where I said he didn't. What I did say is that he prefers good ground. Or at least Willie and his team think so amd I must respect their opinions.

 

Sorry no problem, went back and looked his form, most of it was soft or worse but if like you say he might prefer better ground he might get it Wednesday. Either way my money will be on.

 

Good luck a nice winner he would be. Kind of has to run on that ground here as it's seldom good will appear with all the miserable weather we get, bodes well then if he can improve for better ground. I just think he's a tad short at this level but if, like you said, UDS misfires then who knows what will happen. Should be a good race hopefully.

 

I backed Special Tiara in November. Very good ew claims again I think.

 

Oddy your making me feel old...i backed Edredon Blue that day and still think it got beat watching that back...

 

Really gets the juices flowing that vid Oddy!!

 

Im sure that they said if he were to go to Japan he would have had to left a week ago due to travelling and quarantine. So that now looks out of the question.

 

The Import quarantine law for a horse in Japan is a minimum stay of 7 days so they would have time still if they choose to travel. He's just going to turn up at HQ anyway

I guess getting there earlier and getting some work into him would be a factor too so probably is staying here

 

I know we don't do after timing so I apologise but there is no way I was the only person who had 2 quid on him just before the race just in case. Fantastic performance from a fantastic horse.

 

I didn't have two quid, but yes.

 

"And Sprinter Sacre is coming through to challenge Un De Sceaux now as they race to the final....and takes it up! Sprinter Sacre, from Un De Sceaux...and then Special Tiara..and then Gods Own...and Nico De Boinville has got the favourite in trouble! They approach the second last, Sprinter Sacre he SOARED over it.. 4-5 lengths clear! Un De Sceaux is in trouble, and then Special Tiara. Here's the final fence, Sprinter Sacre, he's over safely! With the hill left to climb, Nico De Boinville goes for his whip here...this is the old Sprinter coming up the Cheltenham hill! Sprinter Sacre by 6 or 7 lengths, one of the great racing comebacks, THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM COMING TRUE, AND HE REGAINNNNNS HIS TITLE. Sprinter Sacre wins the Queen Mother Champion Chase, for a second time- what an amazing horse."


God damn Simon Holt what an absolute justice you did that race, I could feel the tears of joy in the mans voice! Goosebumps all over. That's as close as you will come to joy in this sport. I have no words.