'One mistake and it's game over'

Graham Fletcher ponders losing a championship horse and disappointment

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THE big story of the year so far is Britain’s Tim Gredley selling his best horse Imperial HBF to American rider McLain Ward (news, p5).

It was “a serious offer from serious people” was how Tim put it when I spoke to him at Cheltenham, racing being another sport he’s passionate about.

Imperial is a top horse, and one that Tim has produced remarkably well. So much so that not only was this combination a definite for this year’s Europeans team, but they’d also have been in with a good chance of an individual medal.

Tim told me: “I have to keep the business sustainable and I’ve already invested in some very nice young horses. So, although I'll have to take a step back from championship team duties, hopefully it won't be too long before I’m right back again.

“I couldn’t be more pleased to sell Imperial to McLain,” he added, “and I'm sure it will be a very successful partnership.”

Well, in my book, that is a certainty.

ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER DAWN