Weaker horses?

IN a season in which we have had numerous horses missing time due to injury (and we’re not near the festival screw-tightening time yet), it was interesting to read a passage by Dan Skelton in a piece in the current Goffs NH magazine.

“Horses are not as tough as they used to be. The bulk of the work that those top horses in Paul Nicholls’ did, Kauto Star, Denman, Master Minded, Twist Magic, horses couldn’t do it now ... I never remember a horse in those days who wouldn’t train on the hill at Ditcheat.”

Some of us lament that horses are not what they used to be, but typically that was in reference to the days of Brown Lad and Night Nurse, but Skelton is talking about just 10 years ago.

If jumping horses have become that fragile in the last 10 years where are we heading in another 10 years? A two-year career, as on the flat?

It’s not Covfefe

GRUMBLE time. We’ve had many suggestions for improvements in facilities at racetracks over the last year, loyalty cards being one. Here’s one that should be easily done.

It hard to fathom why you cannot get a reasonable cup of coffee in the public areas of a track.

In the last few months at three top tracks I’ve consumed something that left a lot to be desired. One even came in a paper cup branded artisan coffee but was nothing of the sort.

These days, even the most modest establishment could find a few jars of good quality instant, add a kettle and boiled water to take the chill out of the day and give us something that tastes like coffee.

A Roll at Aintree

SO Tiger Roll is among those Gigginstown horses entered in the Grand National by Michael O’Leary. Watch last year’s National Hunt Chase - who wants the ride? It could be hair-raising.

The question this weekend is not will Faugheen dazzle us but will his owner? “It’ll be ‘Bright!’”

James @jamesaknight

The Dublin Racing Festival is a fantastic concept and great that the idea has been rewarded with such strong declarations on Saturday. Massive thumbs up.

Jay @mufc_fan_saf

Frodon, Sceau Royal and Top Notch, three tiny horses in comparison to most chasers, but are absolutely lovely jumpers of the bigger obstacle. Another example of the genius that is Macaire. The foundations they learn as a 2/3yo at Royan is huge for this.

Katie McKeever

@Katie_McKeever1

So very sad, such a genuine, lovely person that always made time for others & helped us when things weren’t going well rest in peace Willie

Jennifer Miller @jenm90

Life can be so cruel sometimes. Absolutely gutted to hear the news of Willie Codd’s passing. He was such a lovely man and will be a great loss to Irish Racing and Point to Point community. My thoughts are with Jamie and the rest of the Codd family at this terrible time.