Tellytrack Great Job

Thanks Garrick, that is interesting and pertinent.

Orange get a ticket for Kempton Park on boxing day and watch Kauto Star

Scotia - you are 100% right. The King George ( which is run on boxing Day at Kempton ) is ranked by many purists as one of, if the not 'the' - most important National Hunt races of the year; ranking alongside Cheltenham two months later.

Seeing Grade 1 jumpers in action is something really special; almost lyrical. It is with some sadness that I reflect on the reality that Tellytrack often feeds us a diet of very lowly National Hunt events when superior horses are competing at concurrent events which are not flighted.

I tend to see racing as follows and I borrow from cricket to make my point :

National Hunt racing ( the jumps ) is like a 5 day test. There are a number of components that markedly influence an outcome such as the going, the course, the distance, the jockey etc. But most importantly - the ability of the horse to jump well. A National Hunt races evolves over one or two circuits and often produces astonishing changes of fortunes during the course of a race. As a venture between horse and rider there is nothing to beat it.

It is one of the few instances where a mistake can be made and there is still time to recover and make good.

The hurdling is like an ODI. A little faster, a little less emphasis on jumping skill and certainly a discipline where thoroughbreds can pursue a second career.

Flat racing is like T20. The sprints are over before they have begun and even in bigger jurisdictions 'shorter is better' seems to be the order of the day. Furthermore there does appear to be less of a connection between horse and public.

I was lucky enough to be in the Betfair box when Kauto Star won his 4th King George and when he took the last people were cheering, screaming and throwing hats in the air, it was goose bump and tears material, will never forget. It won't be easy this year for number 5 but can u imagine what it will be like ?