AN advisor to the British Government recently recommended that the term ‘All Girls School’ should no longer be used. She reasoned that people should not be “constantly reminded of their gender”. ‘Girls’, ‘ladies’ and indeed ‘boys’ were a reminder of “all the stereotypes that go with it.”
I don’t think too many women would be unhappy to be referred to as women, but still feel capable to take on males in whatever career they choose.
Maybe though we could bring it into jump racing to halt the trend of just keeping the best of mares in mares’ races! No more ‘all girls’. A good mare is a good horse, and not defined by winning only against her own gender. Mares’ races have been a welcome addition to the National Hunt scene and boosted the market and have improved in quality. But once a star has emerged, should they not further the cause by taking it a step further? There’s even a discussion now on whether the mares’ allowance is fair.
Who wouldn’t want to see Apple’s Jade take on males in either the Champion Hurdle or the Stayers’? How good might Benie Des Dieux be, or will we find out? Thankfully there is no mares’ chase at the festival yet and hopefully Mia’s Storm will be an intriguing runner in the big novice chases this season.
Quevega stayed in the mares’ race at Cheltenham (though not at Punchestown). Annie Power was, through Faugheen’s absence, sent to take on the boys and memorably so, proving herself, without any doubt, as one of the best mares of recent times. The tough Apple’s Jade looks to have more in common with Dawn Run than Quevega, who was famously hard to keep sound.
At the moment it seems Apple’s Jade is more likely to take the easier route from now to March. She is young enough still to take on geldings in the big Grade 1s but wouldn’t you love to see what she might be capable of in the Champion Hurdle?
Best of bloodstock
A quick glance through the best mares to race on the flat over the last two seasons makes for an impressive list, and all of these from Coolmore.
Minding, Found, Alice Springs, Legatissimo, Tapestry, Seventh Heaven, Winter, Roly Poly, Hydrangea. To that list of broodmares, add in Tepin ($8 million), Stellar Wind ($6 million), Marsha (6 million guineas) and Quiet Reflection (2.1 million guineas). Don’t forget the dams of those first-named eight fillies. Those are some paddocks to stroll through.
Douvan time
The pantomime season is upon us. And every panto needs a star name. On this week’s movements Douvan might not be the best booking if you are looking for an equine star though.
“He’s behind you!”
“Oh no, he’s not.”
The Last Word
Three words actually
Jack Kennedy Recovery
ON TWITTER
camilla sharples @camsharples
Three Grade 1 wins for the yard today! Absolutely buzzing.... well done team #MengliKhan #ApplesJade #DeathDuty
eddie @swarfiga1
Well done @LeglockLuke a bloke who his not full of his own importance, Refreshing on TV these days.
Shane McCarthy @shanemac95
My good god.... Just give Jack Kennedy ride of the year right now! That was absolutely unbelievable
Simon Beckwith @nomis2306
That has got to be the most amazing recovery I have ever seen in racing , and then to go on and win the race as well. Pleasure to witness that. Remarkable
Sky Racing @SkyRacingAU
A busy finish to Race 3 at #Gosford and despite over racing early, Ma Tante sneaks up on the rail to nail Miss Casier right on the line with Irishman Declan McDonogh introducing himself to Australian racing!
Jay @mufc_fan_saf
Apple’s Jade is getting better and better, best performance of her career is that. She is some jumper and really hope she carries on facing the boys. Some mare she is.