Review of the day

Well, it was a bit of a nothing day, so far as the tips were concerned – but a day of high drama for racing in general…

The main drama resulted from the announcement by AP McCoy, of his imminent retirement.

I guess it had to happen one day, but it was still a shock to hear.

The word ‘great’ is much over-used in sport – but it doesn’t do AP justice.

A living legend – non of us will see his like again in our life time…

Anyway, on to the tips !

The first one to run was Araldur – and I think we can count ourselves a bit unlucky with him.

Not unlucky in the race itself - just that he was unlucky to bump into a horse that ran miles better than the from book said he could !

Bygone Sovereign had run 23 times previously over hurdles and never run within a couple of stone of the performance he put up today.

Everything about it screamed ‘fluke’ – even though it looked anything but !

Araldur meanwhile, ran a thoroughly honest race to plug on for second – almost 30 length behind the eased up winner.

Bizarre…

Next it was the turn of Taquin Du Seuil.

It was make or break day for him – and unfortunately it ended up the latter.

Again, the race was won in almost unbelievable style, by the novice Coneygree.

He galloped borderline Gold cup horse into the ground, putting up as an impressive performance by a novice as I can recall.

The talk after the race was that he would indeed go for Gold – and after todays, you would think that the right call.

Taquin meanwhile ran like a non stayer.

I thought he had every chance at the third last – but that was when the winner turned on the turbo – and he just faded out of contention.

I would now by very surprised if he contested the Gold Cup – a drop in trip for the Ryanair looks the most likely path.
In that case, we will at least recover our ante-post bets on him.

The final tip to run was Amroth Bay - and he was disappointing.

What made it worse was that I was right to take on the two favourites in the race.

However, I was wrong to select him, as he ran as he had done last time at Plumpton.

I think it is back to the drawing board with him…

As for the mentions – then most of the ran with credit, but weren’t quite good enough.

The exception was Allez Vic, who absolutely dotted up at Uttoxeter – having drifted to 5/1 at the off…

Of the others, then an honourable mention should go to Al Alfa, who was unlucky to bump into one at Warwick.

Whilst Royal Vacation ran with great promise at Newbury: and Way up in the Air, ran a similarly good race at Naas.

But ultimately the day will be remember as the one on which AP announced he would be hanging up his boots.

What price Dickie for the title next season ?!

TVB.