KEEP yourself in the best company and your horses in the worst is a well-used phrase. But, of course, that counts for little when you have impending stallion careers to plan. Horses must race in the races that matter, those with centuries of prestige.
Bow Echo went slam bang into elevated company on Saturday - Timeform placing the latest 2000 Guineas winner in a position where only five horses have earned a higher rating in winning the Guineas since 1970 (the European pattern was introduced the following year), and all of those are legends of the turf, Brigadier Gerard 141 (1971), El Gran Senor 136 (1984), Nijinsky 135 (1970), Frankel 135 (2011) and Dancing Brave 134 (1986).
Mind you, if you woke up in horsey heaven and around you saw Mill Reef, Grundy, Chief Singer, Barathea, Giant’s Causeway, Hawk Wing, Sir Percy, Kingman, you would not want to be removed from that company.
That’s the question - what have those famous names got in common? They were joined last week by Gstaad, as a second-place finisher in the 2000 Guineas. Gstaad was the highest-rated colt going into the classic, and finished eight lengths clear of fellow joint-favourite Distant Storm.
The interesting element from the Guineas was how none of the pre-race paddock judges were terribly keen on Bow Echo. There appeared to be lots of confidence from his connections, but the horse didn’t get the thumbs up physically. Though handsome is as handsome does, goes another saying.
Paddock judges
Could there be hope that Gstaad could still progress further, being a bigger, stronger horse? The Ballydoyle battalions seemed to really hit top form this week, after a month when they were a bit hit and miss. Gstaad looks the type to come on for the run, given he held his form to November last season.
Add this to the track position on Saturday. There did seem to be a big advantage being drawn wide and in the middle of the track. Bow Echo was drawn 15 and Gstaad in seven. They followed the same path mid-race, but from the dip, over the last two furlongs, Gstaad moved further towards the far side.
Bow Echo was faster than Gstaad through each of the last six furlongs and much faster in the final furlong - 12.24 to 12.57secs - where he came clear.
It will also be interesting to see the three-year-old version of Publish. He headed Bow Echo at Haydock last season, before turning in a weak finish.
It might be clutching at straws, the time gurus got excited by Bow Echo’s performance. But should the two hopefully meet again at Royal Ascot, it will be very interesting to see how things have progressed.
How much did you pay for that one? Rich Ricci and J.P. McManus at Punchestown \ Healy Racing
AS the jumps season ends and trainers and owners take a breather, it’s worth looking back at what they got for their money, before the restocking stages begin from the sales of young horses.
J.P. McManus was leading National Hunt owner with €2,553,550 in prize money won in Ireland. Gigginstown House Stud were second with €1,725,100, followed by Robcour with less than the million - €961,710 - and Susannah Ricci with €900,975. In all,13 owners exceeded €200,000 in prize money. Not the greatest return, when you see multiple six-figure lots at the National Hunt Sales.
Even from Cheltenham, that still being the primarly aim for those in the jumps game, the leading owner was Susannah Ricci, highlighted by a wonderful Champion Hurdle, Gold Cup double earning £631,189. J.P. McManus was in second place with £570,729, followed by Robcour with £323,374 and Il Etait Temps winning £225,080 to put his owners in fourth place. Gigginstown House took home £170,687. There are easier ways to spend excess funds and seek excitement. It’s worth taking a moment to appreciate what so many wealthy people put into our sport of jump racing for their and our enjoyment.