Flat horse of the year
TAGHROODA- For me, it has to be the wonder mare that is Taghrooda. A superb attitude with coolness to match. So relaxed in everything she did, she provided jockey Paul Hanagan with some great moments and helped thrust her owner Hamdan Al Maktoum back amongst the biggest flat players around once again.
Her facile victory in the Epsom Oaks was followed by arguably the performance of the season when she slammed the likes of Telescope and Mukhadram under the summer sun at Ascot in the King George. Her first defeat came in the Yorkshire Oaks at the hands of Tapestry under the imperious Ryan Moore and her racing career was capped off with a hugely respectable third in the Prix De L'Arc De Triomphe. Although it's sad to see her leave the racecourse at three, she will no doubt make a beautiful broodmare and help the Sea The Stars legacy flourish.
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| Taghrooda |
It was a little harder deciding this. Balthazar King's heroic performances when winning the Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival and finishing in the runners up spot in the Grand National warrant major respect. More Of That's rise from a humble handicapper at the back end of 2013 to World Hurdle victor was extraordinary but my National Hunt of the year accolade goes to Grand National winner PINEAU DE RE. For so long I've pined to back the winner of the big race and 2014 was the year of my first punting success in the race; for that, he'll always hold a special place in my heart. Expertly ridden by the understated Leighton Aspell, he slowly crept into the race and once they entered the elbow, he just wasn't for stopping. An amazing success for Dr Richard Newland and an even sweeter one for myself given that the Good Doctor doesn't train too far away from me. Always good to put Worcesterhire on the map!
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| I Adore this photograph |
Flat ride of the year
Ryan Moore's magic aboard the likes of Grey Mirage at the start of the year to Protectionist towards the end of it, with Tapestry, Euro Charline and many more sandwiched in between. Richard Hughes remained as cool as a proverbial cucumber aboard Sole Power and Rosie Napravnik bowed out of the saddle (temporarily hopefully) with a power packed ride aboard Untapable in the Breeders Cup Distaff. I, along with everybody in the racing world I'm sure, send my best to her with her pregnancy.
But for my ride of the year, you need to head back to England. It's Fran Berry's beautiful hold up ride aboard DOMINATION in the Ascot Stakes. He had the strong stayer so far back in the field he'd have needed a telescope to spot the leader. However, slowly but surely, he crept closer aboard Charles Byrnes' raider and in the final furlong and a bit, Berry said go and he flew home. Still having plenty to do but doing it with so much ease. Brilliant ride.
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| Domination (left) |
Jump ride of the year
There have been some truly awesome rides over the sticks this year. Richard Johnson has had a sublime year with some exquisite efforts aboard old timers Menorah and Wishfull Thinking, as well as some sterling efforts aboard Garde La Victoire and Goulanes. In truth, there's been too many to mention- Dickie has been incredible. We can't forget other jockey's though- AP McCoy's ride aboard Taquin De Seuil in the JLT was truly special whilst Barry Geraghty was seen to best effect getting the best out of Lyvius in a Kempton handicap hurdle way back in January. Young Conor Shoemark had a vintage hour at Cheltenham in April with two wonderful rides. Firstly, front-running tactics were put to great effect aboard the gallant, one-eyed wonder As I Am. Then, he showed his versatility as he expertly steered Me And Ben home under hold up tactics this time. This young talent looks sure to have a top 2015. Sam Twiston-Davies also deserves a mention. He's faced a lot of totally undeserved criticism over social media but his rides aboard As De Mee and Aqalim at the back end of the 2014 definitely kept those idiots quiet.
2014 was really a year where amateur jockeys shone. Robbie McNamara (who's since become professional) gave Spring Heeled a solid ride at Cheltenham but it's to another amateur rider for my jump ride of the year...
Sam Waley-Cohen is a jockey that often provokes discussion, conjuring criticism with his actions in the saddle. Even myself, at times, have been a little critical of Waley-Cohen. However, his ride aboard WARNE in the Foxhunters Chase, shut a lot of people up (myself included). I vowed never to unduly lambaste him again after this incredible front-running ride. It appeared as though he went off too quickly, creating a big gap between himself and the rest of the pack from an early stage. As the pack gained on him, it seemed as though the race was lost but he asked his mount for more and from then onwards he bounded forwards to win easily. Once again, Waley-Cohen was seen to best effects over the National fences. He gets horses into a good rhythm over the daunting obstacles and Warne was no exception.
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| You could say Waley Cohen "bowled" me over aboard Warne... |
One for 2015
On my frequent visits to Wolverhampton Racecourse, I always try to unearth a hidden gem if possible. Last year, I gave you Euro Charline, who went onto win the Beverly D Stakes at Arlington after winning a Dunstall Park nursery. This time, I give you YEATS MAGIC. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to guess his sire; this shows he has the potential to stay over longer trips. I was quite surprised to see him win over a mile on debut, given his breeding, but he did so nicely. He raced as though a longer trip would be ideal, 1 mile 4 furlongs or further could well prove to be his optimum trip. This lovely looker is in the very capable hands of John Gosden, so I'd hope that he could be geared towards the St Leger in September as his trainer has a superb record in the race. The race he won was well above average for the track, so hopefully he too can prove to be a little above average. Fingers crossed.
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| Could multiple Ascot Gold Cup winner Yeats have bred a Classic winner? |
Hoping everybody has a prosperous, brilliant 2015. All the best for the year ahead
Happy 2015 punting!
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