Performance of the week

WILLIE Mullins’ preparation and placing of his horses was almost matchless through the four days but in the most part, the majority of his runners were either coming in the prime of their potential or a bunch of hugely talented young novices.

In contrast, Nicky Henderson’s achievement in getting My Tent Our Yours back to Champion Hurdle level and Bob’s Worth to run so well behind two high class horses in the World Hurdle at 11 years of age, after a season in the wilderness was worthy of great praise.

However, his crowning moment of the week by any standard was returning Sprinter Sacre to something like the horse of old, in mind and body, to reclaim his Champion Chase crown. That was truly an outstanding achievement.

Big money winners

Though “big owners” have been the subject of negative discussions this season, it was still good to see them getting rewards for their spending with Cheltenham Festival winner. Gigginstown’s Empire of Dirt wasn’t bought for handicaps. He cost €325,000 as a three-year-old at Tattersalls in 2010. Un Temps Pour Tout is one of the most expensive National Hunt horses costing Bryan Drew and Caroline Tisdall £450,000. They had also paid £225,000 for bumper winner Moon Racer last year. On the contrary, you could have bought Black Hercules for €3,000 as a young horse so bargains are there.

Cheltenham

coverage on TV

CHANNEL 4 put a lot of effort into their Cheltenham coverage and produced many very nice features over the week. Unfortunately cramming so much into a very short period between races interfered too much into the build-up of the races.

The camera angles, generally too far away, had far too many aerial shots during the race, and were also inferior to Racing UK’s offering.

For serious enthusiasts the post race analysis in the evenings on Racing UK, highlighting moves during the races and unlucky runners was a must see and worth subscribing for the duration to these four days.

The final word.....

Did someone say Ruby Walsh was finished? Whoareya?