F EATURE OPINION
SO MUCH TO GET EXCITED ABOUT
Racing aficionado Joshua Stacey (@TheRacingJosh) looks back on unprecedented times and forward to the coming season
I t’s a sunny summer morning in London, and all I can think about is Harry Cobden’s cosy but victorious ride on Greanteen nine months ago at Exeter. I’ve got just 70 more days to cross off on the calendar until the 2021 renewal of the Haldon Gold Cup fills my life with happiness. Think I’m obsessed? You’ve not met my friends. The past 18 months have been a real challenge off the racecourse, but in unprecedented times I’m extremely thankful to those on it for providing such entertainment, joy and positivity when we really needed it. After hitting the replay button on the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle for the 89th time, I’ve just about stomached the demolition job from Appreciate It – what a joy to watch. “You’d have to think that was a Vautour-like performance, wouldn’t you?” Stop it Willie Mullins. You’ve been living in my head rent free all summer. Rachael Blackmore, history maker. Sounds great doesn’t it? Seizing the opportunity with an impeccable Randox Grand National ride on Minella Times to become the first female jockey to taste victory in the famous steeplechase. That reminds me, I’m only another 1-2 finish in the Gold Cup and Grand National
What if it’s just a one off? Do they have the temperament to match the talent? We’ve really got so much to get excited about. My beloved two-mile chase division is set to provide fireworks. Superstars in waiting, Shishkin and Energumene, stepping up into the big time with Chacun Pour Soi, Nube Negra and magic-mare Put The Kettle On ready to batten down the hatches. From the time of my introduction to racing ten years ago, I don’t remember the depth and quality
away from starting a petition to ban all Irish festival runners. I’m now ready to do it all again. No beautiful, sunny day in August gets close to a brisk Badger Beers Chase day at Wincanton. Frost covers off, thick coat on, pastie in hand and Paul Nicholls firing in winners left-right-and-centre – the stuff of dreams. I can’t wait. Leading heavyweights, popular veterans and outstanding novices all ready to deliver their blow. I’ve got a copious amount of questions. How good are they?
12 KALENDAR
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