It is sometimes said that “only in times of adversity do you reveal your true strengths” and that was apparently true for me yesterday. As soon as Suprise Package passed the post the family behind were adamant that he had got up; I was quick to disavow them of such a notion because, apparently, I am able to distinguish 2 millimeters at a 50 yard distance. That was how far we were beaten and if you would like to see the evidence then here it is:
(sorry - will crop later)
They call it a nose; the minimum winning distance. I call it the margin of error when the photo finish guy is setting up the camera. Strangely enough, when the result was called and No. 5 was announced and not No.6. I was not at all upset; just delighted that Suprise Package showed what he could do over a distance we knew was on the sharp side for him; no repetition of the heart issues and all was good this morning when I was over at the stables.
With Freedom to Dream due to run in the next race, I was feeling like I imagine J P McManus must feel. J P (for people who may not know) is the biggest owner in Ireland and frequently has multiple horses in a race and horses in multiple races every day. So, just like JP must surely say, I said to myself “let’s move on to the next one”
Kevin, omitting to thank me for not having to get changed between races, was offered one solitary piece of advice by me: “just a go a yard earlier this time, will you” (I almost slipped in a piece of cultural appropriation there and said ‘will ye’ but decided aganst it at the last moment)
The rest is history. Kevin cruised through the race, delivered his challenge going to the last and, despite Freedom to Dream not doing a lot in front, won pretty snugly in the end by ½ length (although it looked more like ¾ length to my trained eye)
Smiles were everywhere in the parade ring and photos, presentations and interviews went ahead as normal. Well I say, as normal but they don’t always interview the owner so when I was told by Ber that Kevin O’Ryan from Racing TV was going to interview me, it came as a bit of a shock. Anyway, I felt pretty relaxed during the interview which seemed to go for a long time; probably meaning that they were giving me time to say something meaningful or interesting.
It was funny because, of course, you’re supposed to look at the camera but Kevin was standing off to the side so I basically responded to the camera being held by the most bored looking operator you could ever imagine. He didn’t look too impressed by any of my answers and my peripheral vision left me unknowing of Kevin’s reactions. It was therefore with some shock that I later found out that the entire interview was broadcast. Almost certainly the first and only time but still pretty cool.
Take a look (just click): https://twitter.com/RacingTV/status/1463181969173491719?s=20
Off we went to celebrate with a glass(es) of champagne from the racecourse and then we firmed up plans for the evening. It was 3.30pm by this time and Peter and Ber were going to go straight to Cunningham’s (their second home) in Kildare. I tried to buy a bit of time by saying I had to go back to the hotel, respond to some message and arrange a taxi but, even then, was only given dispensation from the celebrations until 5pm.
I duly arrived and a few minutes later so did Kevin and his girlfriend. We finished early (around 11pm) with my trainer paying the price for weeks of hard work ( I will say no more except to say he rebounded in fine style this morning whereas I, despite winning that little ‘competition’, had a few more aches and pains. I called Peter when I woke up (two hours after he started working) and he told me that both horses were perfect this morning and had eaten up last night; no bother. I called in a little later and both horses looked as fresh as paint and happy with themselves.
We did spend a little time planning last night. There aren’t that many races for either horse over the coming weeks but we may look a 2 1/2m hurdle at Navan for Surprise Package and at a Graded novice at Limerick over Christmas for Freedom to Dream. I doubt I will be able to go to either due to other arrangements and logistical issues but will plan to more than make up for that in the New Year
The other major event last night was the online sale of Belfast Banter. The sale concluded at 7pm and for a moment there it looked like he hadn’t been sold and would remain in the yard. However, it soon transpired that a deal had been done and he had been purchased by David Mullins bloodstock with a view to going to America. David had actually driven up to the gallops yesterday morning and watched him work. It’s always difficult for any yard to lose a horse; Belfast Banter had given Peter and Ber their first Cheltenham winner and their first Grade 1 but he was also a horse they were attached to in his own right so it will be tough to see him go. The good news is that they a good few nice horses coming along now
So, all in all, a great day and night. Many thanks to Peter and Ber for all they do and their great company, to Kevin for his support and to Ada and the rest of the lads in the yard; it’s a team effort.