WE all went into this year’s four-day Cheltenham Festival wondering what the bloody hell was happening.
Jon Pullen, Cheltenham’s clerk of the course, had been watering for the best part of three weeks before the meeting and then for the umpteenth time the weather forecast changed with rain, frost and snow predicted.
All arrived… who would want his job!
We marched in on Tuesday full of excitement, expecting to see a masterclass from Constitution Hill and the shortest-priced favourite did not disappoint. We all stood in awe as this equine dynamo frankly won the Champion Hurdle without coming off the bridle. Hats in the air and as he returned to the winners’ enclosure, the crowds clapped and cheered with appreciation of what they had just witnessed.
Constitution Hill walked through the throng like he was off on a Sunday afternoon stroll, totally unfazed by what he had just achieved.
Esta historia es de la edición March 23, 2023 de Horse & Hound.
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Esta historia es de la edición March 23, 2023 de Horse & Hound.
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'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
