With a change of the wind and the level taking over from the National Hunt scene now seems a good time to put forward some thoroughbreds to follow at least through the first half of the Flat season.
Just before I do, a quick word on the Grand National which has sparked enormous debate since I Am Maximus flew home to victory in the big race.
I get it! Our PR needs to be spoton and the sport has to showcase the merits of the great race to the general public who were beginning to doubt its credentials as a genuine great sporting event - but have we turned the corner too far in making the great race just another ordinary long-distance handicap chase?
When I walked the track on the Friday of the meeting I was amazed at how diluted the fences were. The opening obstacle was no more than a schooling fence and when you see the re-run of the three races over the national fences the runners almost seemed to hurdle over the it.
Becher's Brook is no longer a stand-out challenge, moderate in size and nothing any fair jumper should even regard as a jumping challenge. And, although he had the best engine inside by far, that is the reason that the winner sailed into the sunset to victory with a performance bordering on Gold Cup class.
In my mind, two factors should always determine a National winner at Aintree: the ability to negotiate the toughest fences in the National Hunt game and the ability to see out the four-and-a-quarter mile trip. Both of these qualifications have been eradicated to an extent. If you don't want to under-compromise on the size and scope of the fences then at least return the race to four-and a-half miles to partly negate that dumbing-down of the race.
Now, here are four to follow on the Flat:
HENRY LONGFELLOW Aidan O'Brien
This story is from the May 2024 edition of Racing Ahead.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 2024 edition of Racing Ahead.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Tragedy Hits Racing Family - Nick Townsend reels from shock attack on John Hunt's wife and daughters
Nick Townsend reels from shock attack on John Hunt's wife and daughters. I will be far from alone in recent days in being overcome by emotions ranging from utter disbelief to revulsion upon hearing of the unspeakable acts perpetrated upon John Hunt's family, resulting in the death of his wife Carol and daughters, Hannah and Louise.
AUDIENCE IS ERUPTING
John Anthony reveals the latest top speedsters after another Glorious Goodwood
HORSE OF A LIFETIME
Graham Buddry pays fresh tribute to track legend Sea The Stars - surely one of the greatest ever
IT'S TIME TO TAKE STOCK
Paul Jacobs looks forward to seeing some big on-track questions answered
PLAYING TO THE WHISTLE
lan Heitman flies about to keep pace with a rush of two-year-old Flat action
WINNING JOY ON A BUDGET
Richard Eagle takes a trip to Windsor to check out peoples' route into the port of kings
GIFT HORSES AND FRENCH LESSONS
Robert Cooper finds 'retirement' is keeping him busy
FEUD GETS THE PARTY ROLLING
Karl Hedley savours the Galway Festival action and picks out the summer highlights at Ballybrit
ROCKING THE MONEY BAGS
Simon Nott reveals his recent experiences from trips to Brighton and Ascot
FLYING EVE'S BORN TO WIN
Nick Townsend talks to in-form trainer Eve Johnson Houghton