No country for old …

ONE of the frequent points noted by trainers this week in praise of their horses’ performances was “He’s only seven.” (Fox Norton). “He’s only six.” (Disko). Sizing John and Our Duke are also only seven. The unfortunate thing is, all the chasing stars are that age. This is becoming no country for old horses. At eight years old, when he should be coming to his prime at eight, Djakadam’s looking past it.

His chances of further progression against this year’s novices look minimal. It’s a young man’s, and young horse’s game!

Fayonagh excites

THE most exciting performance at the Punchestown Festival?

There were so many brilliant races and while it seems odd to pass over Sizing John, perhaps the two horses who were not on the immediate radar before this season are the most exciting.

Supporting Great Field is a hold your breath occupation but how good could he be? It’s hard to believe that the novice chasers have just got better and better but the early outstanding performances by Altior and Thistlecrack were surpassed by the likes of Might Bite and Our Duke.

Similiarly, Fayonagh’s all-the-way win in the bumper, a great commentary by Richard Pugh - “she’s taken one by one off the bridle..,” added to her come-from-behind win at Cheltenham, promises so much. It had a seasoned professional, and one not easily impressed in Ted Walsh, declare “it’s blasphemous to say it, but she could be another Dawn Run.” She also seemed to send the Twitter audience dishing out high praise.

Horse of the Year

WITH little doubt Sizing John. The treble of Irish Gold Cup, Cheltenham Gold Cup and Punchestown Gold Cup has never been achieved. How strange it is to look back at the last two years when he was the nearly horse, chasing Douvan, never getting closer than seven lengths in seven attempts. What a turnaround in 12 months!