For the horsey people on here

Don't know about anyone else, but I'm finding the changing of the guard from turf flat to national hunt quite tricky. I seem to have backed quite a few this week that turned out to be as fit as retired drayhorses. Anyway, tomorrow I'll be with Paul Nicholls' runners at Wincanton. I recall he had about five winners on this card two or three years ago and he has some very likely looking representatives tomorrow. Marracudja [12.20] Arpege D'Alene [1.30] The Ould Lad [2.05] and All Yours [3.15] will carry what's left of the Kaht cash!

 

Tbh orsen my interest wanes every year once the flats finish. I'll have a tinkle on the big races but that's it. It just seems that bit more random to me. Although I do still try to get to 1 meet. I'll have a look at your suggestions though.

 

Here's an interesting (ish) story! Actually, it's a bit of a rambling one - the type for which I get much ridicule in the Kaht household!

Back in 1984 I was working in banking in Rotherham (before I found my vocation!). There was a Saturday in November when I did a bit of OT helping shift some old records (to alternative storage - nothing dodgy!). As far as I can recall, it must have been the equivalent Saturday to today. I got the old X36 bus back home and dutifully studied the Sporting Life (for it was those days) on my way back home. I lit on a horse running at Donny called ABU KADRA, due to be ridden by Walter Swinburn. It had disappointed at Newmarket last time out, but had shown promise on an earlier run in that - it's three year old year. I had a bit of 25/1 in a single and a modest round robin, including the Mackeson Gold Cup (now the Paddy Power) winner Half Free at Cheltenham, which was on the same day that year. The weather was bad, but as young Walter turned into the straight at Donny, laughing at his opponents, he could be called the winner fully four furlongs out. My recollection is that Walter let out about half an inch of rein - allowing Abu Kadra to win by a (handicap-preserving) two lengths. I felt on pretty good terms with myself, and there was some carousing that night!

As I said, I reckon it must have been bang around today's date - to the day. So I get on my form site last night to study today's runners and bugger me! What runs in the second division of the maiden at Donny today (12.40) but ABU KHADRA, making it's debut for Richard Fahey! Now I have a reputation to preserve, so you wouldn't expect me to be backing horses on the back of all the above. So my excuse is..... this is a very well-bred colt owned by Jaber Abdullah (the other Abu Kadra was owned by the Maktoums) being by Oasis Dream out of the very good mare Flashy Wings who won Group 2's and was Group 1 placed. Richard Fahey says that whilst Abu Khadra is a big and backward type, they have high hopes for him for next year. I can't think they'd be risking him on the last day of the Turf Flat at Donny unless they expected him to put up some sort of a show today. He may just have a bit of class. He has a promising filly of Robert Cowell's to beat. Best price is 4/1 though - not 25's!

Anyway, I'll risk half a crown each way - not for sentimental reasons mind!

 

Couldn't blame you for backing it on sentiment on that story orsen, reyt coincidence.