Cheltenham Memories

[EC21]

Here we are again, the best meeting of the year, and I am a lover of flat and NH, but this meeting is the boy.

I go back to the mid 70s with my memories of it, and, as I recently found out, lots of you guys are old like me

I just wonder, what is the highlight, or highlights from the last 50 years of this festival?

The most iconic moment for me, and probably you guys, and it is hard to believe it is real now, a little bit similar to the football memory of "they think it is all over" is the Peter OSullivan commentary "and the mare is beginning to get up".

I still watch the last three fences of that race and wonder if it is the most iconic NH race of all time? The only other race from Cheltenham, commentary wise, that is totally iconic was the 1964 Gold Cup. "This is the best we have seen for a long time". Peter O Sullivan will never ever be bettered imo.

Obviously those moments don't come often, we see many superb performances at Cheltenham that don't get that type of classic commentary. When you see something special, and the person who commentates on it in such a way that you will never forget it, is just pure magic.

What are your favourite Cheltenham memories?

 

[JamesRB]

not necessarily the favourite but arguably the most memorable day of the last 10 years. Annie Power falling at the last when on for the fabled '4-timer'. i was stood about 20 yards from the hurdle.

 

[Len Madeiros]

Two for me. The smile that broke into laughter, that almost broke into tears as Sprinter Sacre regained his QMCC crown in 2015. And the best performance I have ever seen at Cheltenham, from Constitution Hill in last year’s Supreme.

On a slightly separate note, I have always bunked off school/ nipped out of work to watch the Gold Cup; to the extent that I can account for exactly where I have watched the Gold Cup over the past 50 years. I love that. But taking a whole week off work these days - this is my holiday - is far better.

 

[EC21]

I used to go sick after Monday, it took them 10 years to spot the pattern Len I hated racing when I was at school, was all football then in the mid to late 60s. Then, I worked in a foundry for 18 months in the 70s, and they were all horse racing daft. That started me on this road. They seemed to love the Lincoln at that time, they would be talking about it all through the winter. The Lincoln really did used to be a big race with flatties at that time. How times change.

 

[EC21]

Two for me. The smile that broke into laughter, that almost broke into tears as Sprinter Sacre regained his QMCC crown in 2015. And the best performance I have ever seen at Cheltenham, from Constitution Hill in last year’s Supreme.

On a slightly separate note, I have always bunked off school/ nipped out of work to watch the Gold Cup; to the extent that I can account for exactly where I have watched the Gold Cup over the past 50 years. I love that. But taking a whole week off work these days - this is my holiday - is far better.

You must be close to retiring now Len? no more bunking off or holidays required then. I reached retirement last March, the one thing I didn't see as much of a gain was the free bus pass, but it really is quality just jumping on buses and not paying

 

[moehat]

I remember sitting on the bus travelling back from school with my fingers crossed because my favourite horse Mill House was up against a horse called Arkle in the Gold Cup. And, many years later, rushing the kids back from school ( thankfully their primary school was only a few hundred yards from out house) to see Dessie run in the GC. At the course, being there when Chief Dan George won the handicap on day one. And then clapping Labaik into the winners enclosure, stood next to Jack Kennedy’s mum who was even more excited than I was. Terrified watching Sublimity jump the last fence in the Ch H because I’d put £1 on him at 80/1 ( £1 is a big bet for me but they’d tipped him on Ceefax). Watching Best Mate leave the paddock for the GC and thinking I’d never see a better looking horse. Francois Doumen standing behind Barracouda after Ted had won the stayers: he just couldn’t believe he’d been beaten. And chatting to Grey Abbeys lovely owners after his GC run telling them how thrilled I was just to see him. The rest of Cheltenham is just a blur. I wonder if I’ll ever get to the festival again because my age has caught up with me and it’s such a tiring day, but, even watching it on the tv I feel as though I’m actually there.

 

[EC21]

Apart from the iconic moments we all have favourite moments when we were on the winner..or loser.

I so remember the triumph hurdle in I think 1981. I had followed Broadsword all season, was my very favourite hurdler. I just could not see it losing at Cheltenham, then that bloody newcomer M Pipe did me on the run in. I remember thinking that day, how the f**k has Baron Blakeney beat it. I remember being gutted at the time. Funny how certain results make you question your judgement.

 

[Len Madeiros]

You must be close to retiring now Len? no more bunking off or holidays required then. I reached retirement last March, the one thing I didn't see as much of a gain was the free bus pass, but it really is quality just jumping on buses and not paying

I’m 60 in November, mate, so I’ll be reducing my hours when I take my work pension. I intend retiring properly at 63 - if I don’t spend my pension pot on Cheltenham before that.

 

[EC21]

I remember sitting on the bus travelling back from school with my fingers crossed because my favourite horse Mill House was up against a horse called Arkle in the Gold Cup. And, many years later, rushing the kids back from school ( thankfully their primary school was only a few hundred yards from out house) to see Dessie run in the GC. At the course, being there when Chief Dan George won the handicap on day one. And then clapping Labaik into the winners enclosure, stood next to Jack Kennedy’s mum who was even more excited than I was. Terrified watching Sublimity jump the last fence in the Ch H because I’d put £1 on him at 80/1 ( £1 is a big bet for me but they’d tipped him on Ceefax). Watching Best Mate leave the paddock for the GC and thinking I’d never see a better looking horse. Francois Doumen standing behind Barracouda after Ted had won the stayers: he just couldn’t believe he’d been beaten. And chatting to Grey Abbeys lovely owners after his GC run telling them how thrilled I was just to see him. The rest of Cheltenham is just a blur. I wonder if I’ll ever get to the festival again because my age has caught up with me and it’s such a tiring day, but, even watching it on the tv I feel as though I’m actually there.

Brilliant stuff..but ceefax? ffs The TV coverage is awesome isn't it? I won't go again, I only went once in 1985..bloody lightweight I am.

 

[EC21]

I’m 60 in November, mate, so I’ll be reducing my hours when I take my work pension. I intend retiring properly at 63 - if I don’t spend my pension pot on Cheltenham before that.

Those last few years take bloody ages Len until you hit the real retirement age. I took my work place pension and redundancy in 2014, paid all my debts then so monthly outgoings were reduced. It is right good when you get there, you will like the bus pass, guaranteed. The worst day was when I went to the bank one morning and paid my mortgage off, was a late house buyer. I walked out of the bank £30k lighter that day, f**kin hurt did that

 

[EC21]

not necessarily the favourite but arguably the most memorable day of the last 10 years. Annie Power falling at the last when on for the fabled '4-timer'. i was stood about 20 yards from the hurdle.

That was a right moment James, I remember the number of people just on TH that will remember that one for all time. A true iconic moment, the type many won't want again though. It is certainly up there isn't it? Would Istabraq pulling up on attempt 4 for a CH win be another one of those?

 

[Tout Seul]

EC21
The most iconic moment for me, and probably you guys, and it is hard to believe it is real now, a little bit similar to the football memory of "they think it is all over" is the Peter OSullivan commentary "and the mare is beginning to get up".

That 'mare getting up' is probably the most vivid recurring nightmare I get. (I"m assuming you refer to Dawn Run). Wayward Lad was my favourite horse and I followed him blindly every race. By far my biggest bet up to that time and really far more than I could afford. Skint --- !
Was too embarrassed to tell anyone the the amount. A state of shock after temporary euphoria.

 

[Truncheon]

Looking at the 5 day decs on Ceefax the Thursday before
Listening to the preview on radio 5 on the Monday night
First race at 2.15
Bloody Fakenham on the Friday

First went to Cheltenham in 1994 for the Mackeson, didn't do the festival till 2007

Was there when

Kauto falling in the GC
Annie Power falling
Might bite's burger and chips
Douvan's disaster

Greatest moment was Sprinter's 2nd CC though, the place went up

Loudest roar i've ever heard there though was Tiger Roll and Delta work last year, was followed by the loudest groan too

 

[barjon]

I first fell for Sea Pigeon when he won the Chester Cup in 1977, but it’s his two Champion Hurdle wins that are burned in my memory. Firstly, seeing off Monksfield by seven lengths in 1980 having gone down to him twice before. Then, winning it again the following year at eleven years old (the oldest winner, I think) under an inspired ride from John Francome.

 

[The Fortune Teller]

Balthazar King's first Cross Country Chase win in 2012 I think it was. Won me a four figure sum back then.

I was on anti post at 14s and his win at the festival when well backed into 11/2 on the day when just holding on under Richard Johnson was a great memory.

 

[simmo]

Looking at the 5 day decs on Ceefax the Thursday before

Ceefax always used to list best mate's jockey as J Cltty which always amused me.

 

[Desert Orchid]

The 2003 Champion Hurdle, for obvious reasons.

They seemed to love the Lincoln at that time, they would be talking about it all through the winter. The Lincoln really did used to be a big race with flatties at that time. How times change.

It's very much on the way back, worth £150k now and targeted by the serious people. Now, no more talk of Flat shite until after this week, please! :lol:

 

[viking]

Some great memories and some painful ones from most festivals since I first started taking an interest in 1991

Favourite ones are

Garrison Savannah just holding on in the GC that year when all my mates were screaming for The Fellow and seeing the look on their faces when I produced my betting slip with the winner’s name on it

Viking Flagship’s QMCC win in 1994 when I was convinced Deep Sensation would get by him (I think he even did but Viking out battled him)

Call Equiname defying his fragility to win the 1999 QMCC

Istabraq. No more needs saying

Coneygree’s Gold Cup

Sprinter’s QMCC wins. The sheer majesty of the first one and the pure emotion of the second

Frodon’s Ryanair

The worst

The fall of Galopin des Champs in last year’s Turners and Envoi Allen’s the previous year which both cost me as much as the Annie Power fall. Hopefully no 3 timer this year with Mighty Potter [emoji1696]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[viking]

.

 

[moehat]

I remember getting to the track early on the day of Istabraq’s third ChH and hearing that he might not run: thankfully he did. I always wanted to be there for sporting moments like that. Istabraq’s three timer and Best Mates. Seeing Hen and Terry together after he won. You have to be there at moments like that. I missed the golden age of hurdlers ( was in the racing doldrums) along with Dawn Run (although at least I was spared the pain of her tragic death) so I felt I had to savour great racing moments. The saddest memory though was walking away from the track with a dear friend who took me under his wing when I rediscovered racing and used to take me to one or two big meetings a year. That day we both knew that he would not be around in a years time. I hope he’ll be looking down on the festival….along with dear departed forumites who are no longer with us…

 

[Tanlic]

Best memories were Binocular winning the Champion Hurdle, Sprinter Sacre winning his second QMCC and my late friend Tony Charlton giving Keelby Kavalier a brilliant ride to finishing 2nd to Browne's Gazzete.

As far an entire meeting goes I could never repeat 1975 I doubt if many ever have..

It is so unbelievable I decided best not tell the story as I can hardly believe it myself.

Have a great Cheltenham lads I hope some of you will look back and say this meeting holds some great memories for you.

 

[Tanlic]

Two for me. The smile that broke into laughter, that almost broke into tears as Sprinter Sacre regained his QMCC crown in 2015. And the best performance I have ever seen at Cheltenham, from Constitution Hill in last year’s Supreme.

On a slightly separate note, I have always bunked off school/ nipped out of work to watch the Gold Cup; to the extent that I can account for exactly where I have watched the Gold Cup over the past 50 years. I love that. But taking a whole week off work these days - this is my holiday - is far better.

I don't think you were alone skipping school/work. I will never forget a guy from Hawick who worked in the car factories in Coventry telling me that they would deliberately wind up shop stewards until one of them lost their cool and starting throwing abusive language at them.
Only excuse they needed "EVERYBODY OUT !!!!!" 3 or 4 day strike and off home or to the course to watch Cheltenham...............according to him they did this for 3 consecutive years

 

[Janthefish]

Never missed a day for over 20 years, the highlight was Kingscliff winning the foxhunters in 2003 to wind up a brilliant day for West country pointing enthusiasts. Sprinter Sacre's comeback win was unbelievable.

 

[edgt]

Don't get me started !
The cheer when the Supreme Novice Hurdle started when I first attended in 2011; I was hoarse by the Arkle Chase.

2012 walking up Bath Rd towards the Beehive pub Monday evening , the anticipation was in the air; I felt the Garden Of Eden must have been like this.

2013 Wed am; one of my housemates wakes up, turns on oddschecker only he cannot get access; "Accounts suspended !"
Politely he asked " Lads, did anyone take any notice what I did when we returned from the pub last night because I WANT To KNOW WHAT THE F**K IS GOING ON !"

No crisis, just declaration time but he had backed Briar Hill 28/1 in Bumper , the main reason I took a share in full sister Jazzaway sight unseen five years later.

2014 Tue early am, trackside waiting for the Mullins brigade to appear at the track and what surprise final prep Willie had in mind, his routine changed every year.
After a canter, he instructs all riders to dismount, give their steeds a pick of grass and relax in the morning sun
Like a garden fete it was, unforgettable.
Later when Annie Power fell, the silence on course was deafening
Later still the bus trip into town , singsong in full swing courtesy of Brownie Guinan "Faugheen " to the melody of Jolene "Un de Sceaux " ( Edelweiss) and "Stand By Douvan " encore.
Wed early ,early am walking back from the shop I spy Davy Russell in a tiny hire car at the traffic lights; pale, wrinkled, concentrated expression , a journey man jock post Giggi retainer on a cold foggy morning dragging the final dregs from a ciggie butt , the smoke a reflection of his career at this stage.
Friday morning the sun shone and Davy was back at the summit of the Festival stage.

2015 Tue am arriving at the training ground . A large saloon car passes by; Davy in the front passenger seat , head facing the rear seat passengers , hands gesticulating, the ringmaster conducting the show; what a difference 12 months make.
The others shall be in my upcoming book " In My Racing Life I Have Loved Them All ", if I ever get to write it !

 

[Truncheon]

Don't get me started !
The cheer when the Supreme Novice Hurdle started when I first attended in 2011; I was hoarse by the Arkle Chase.

2012 walking up Bath Rd towards the Beehive pub Monday evening , the anticipation was in the air; I felt the Garden Of Eden must have been like this.

2013 Wed am; one of my housemates wakes up, turns on oddschecker only he cannot get access; "Accounts suspended !"
Politely he asked " Lads, did anyone take any notice what I did when we returned from the pub last night because I WANT To KNOW WHAT THE F**K IS GOING ON !"

No crisis, just declaration time but he had backed Briar Hill 28/1 in Bumper , the main reason I took a share in full sister Jazzaway sight unseen five years later.

2014 Tue early am, trackside waiting for the Mullins brigade to appear at the track and what surprise final prep Willie had in mind, his routine changed every year.
After a canter, he instructs all riders to dismount, give their steeds a pick of grass and relax in the morning sun
Like a garden fete it was, unforgettable.
Later when Annie Power fell, the silence on course was deafening
Later still the bus trip into town , singsong in full swing courtesy of Brownie Guinan "Faugheen " to the melody of Jolene "Un de Sceaux " ( Edelweiss) and "Stand By Douvan " encore.
Wed early ,early am walking back from the shop I spy Davy Russell in a tiny hire car at the traffic lights; pale, wrinkled, concentrated expression , a journey man jock post Giggi retainer on a cold foggy morning dragging the final dregs from a ciggie butt , the smoke a reflection of his career at this stage.
Friday morning the sun shone and Davy was back at the summit of the Festival stage.

2015 Tue am arriving at the training ground . A large saloon car passes by; Davy in the front passenger seat , head facing the rear seat passengers , hands gesticulating, the ringmaster conducting the show; what a difference 12 months make.
The others shall be in my upcoming book " In My Racing Life I Have Loved Them All ", if I ever get to write it !

I'm pretty sure Annie power ran in the Stayers in 2014, i was there, More Of That beat her

It was the Mares hurdle she fell in 2015