IT’S fair to say that See You Then’s stable manners left a lot to be desired.
“You’d go into his box and he’d grab you, and while you were turning to get out of his way, he’d kick you!” National Hunt champion trainer Nicky Henderson OBE remembers.
Outside his box, however, he was “putty in your hands, an absolute gent”. And on the racecourse, he was nothing short of spectacular.
The four-year-old had arrived at Nicky’s Lambourn training yard, Windsor House, in 1984, en route to his owners in Italy, having won half of his eight Flat races and both hurdling starts in Ireland. He was bred for the Flat, having been sired by Royal Palace, winner of the 1967 Epsom Derby and the 2000 Guineas among others, but his temper was so ferocious that he was gelded early on, and his Flat career was derailed.
His debut for Nicky was the Triumph Hurdle at the Festival, a few weeks after he arrived. He was beaten two lengths by Northern Game in a field of 30. After a stint in Italy, the horse returned to take up permanent residence at Windsor House. His mood had not improved; stable lad Glyn Foster was the only person who could get on with him and used to tie stable rubbers to his headcollar to distract him.
Nicky remembers, “The horse got me every which way. I treated him with huge respect, but I couldn’t go into the box on my own with him. I loved him and he hated me. It didn’t matter, I could live with it, as long as Glyn was there.”
Denne historien er fra July 13, 2023-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra July 13, 2023-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Rider Denies Doping After Team Loses Olympic Placing - Tine Magnus and the Belgian team said they do not know the source of the drug that caused the positive test
Olympic eventer Tine Magnus has denied ever doping after her Paris ride Dia Van Het Lichterveld Z gave a positive test at the Games. This means the Belgian team, which came fourth, has been disqualified. On 4 September, the FEI said the 10-year-old mare, owned by Kris van Vaerenbergh, tested positive for trazodone, which is listed as an antidepressant on the FEI's prohibited substances list.
Michael Eilberg
The top dressage rider talks to Polly Bryan about the special horse with the potential to carry him back onto the British team, how to be a better coach and using his talent for teaching to help the sport
Schooling success
Combining school and riding can be tricky, but horses can benefit a child's education. Lottie Morgan uncovers some options for horse-loving pupils
How to get a job in hunting
The British Hound Sports Association's apprentice scheme is providing young people with excellent all-round training in the skills required - and many others besides, as Tessa Waugh discovers
Burke's Affair to remember
A fast round delights one rider who comes away with a coveted grand prix trophy and a rankings class concludes with an unusual tie
Derby winner returns for further Hickstead glory
After watching wife Pippa compete at Burghley, William Funnell returns to the scene of his Derby triumph to win the All England grand prix
Derby winner returns for further Hickstead glory
After watching wife Pippa compete at Burghley, William Funnell returns to the scene of his Derby triumph to win the All England grand prix
'I'm grateful to have such a wonderful partner'
The brilliant duo of Martin Fuchs and Leone Jei seal back-to-back grands prix after a dramatic turn of events
Hamlett takes centre stage
Two horses round off their competitive careers with victories, a championship specialist earns her fourth title and a pair with a combined age of 105 prove invincible
'This is the ultimate five-star test'
Mark Phillips on Burghley's highs, lows, challenges and champions
