JUMPS moment of the Decade

[granger]

The sequel is maybe never as good as the original and i'm bound to omit something incredibly obvious but here goes

Pick your favourite and tell us why

 

[Len Madeiros]

Kauto winning the 2011 Betfair was better than his KG, I think.

 

[archie]

Other.
DH between AP's National and Ruby's last ride.

 

[granger]

Kauto winning the 2011 Betfair was better than his KG, I think.

Could be any of the 2 really

I went with the KG because it's a more prestigious race and was a better race of the 2

 

[granger]

Other.
DH between AP's National and Ruby's last ride.

Jockey moment of the decade still to come

 

[archie]

Jockey moment of the decade still to come

Ah but then you should scrub Frodon.

 

[granger]

Ah but then you should scrub Frodon.

ITV have demanded of me that he is on all decade lists

 

[Double J]

Bloody tough one. Kauto, Denman and Long Run got the nod though.

 

[Bachelors Hall]

Could be any of the 2 really

I went with the KG because it's a more prestigious race and was a better race of the 2

Voted for other because the Lancashire Chase was exceptional due to its context. The legendary eleven year old came off a season where he suffered his first defeat in the King George (by 19 lengths), almost finished fourth in the Gold Cup and was pulled up in a Punchestown Gold Cup which looked like a below average Grade 2 contest. There was no report of any injury either, it was just the held opinion that Kauto Star was in physical decline and falling out of love with the game. Most people thought he should have been retired that summer and watched the race at Haydock not expecting greatness, but just hoping above absolutely anything that he came home safely. When it was apparent that he was at least travelling, that was a wonderful relief. When Long Run began to clout a couple of them while Kauto was jumping like Pegasus, the impossible gave way for hope. When he went for home, everybody at the course was shouting for him and as he passed the line, it was sheer pandemonium.

The King George was good but it wasn't remotely as unexpected as Haydock. Plus it had the unfortunate postscript of Master Minded sustaining a career ending injury.

For me, Kauto Star's win at Haydock was the moment of the decade and probably the greatest thing I will ever see. His win at Kempton wouldn't make either discussion.

 

[granger]

I won't disagree with your Lancs Chase preference but 5 in a row at Kempton was special

He took it on, faced a better version of Long Run and the KG is the big race this side of Christmas

Enjoy both anyway

 

[granger]

 

[Bachelors Hall]

You don't know man, you weren't there!!!

It wasn't five in a row at Kempton as he lost the previous year which created the context for Haydock but that's besides the point. It could be argued that from a purely mechanical form perspective, his Kempton win was stronger but if that's what makes a moment great then we can just see which performance got the highest Timeform rating and be done with it.

You will have to forgive me for speaking flatese but I was at York when Frankel put up his finest performance from a ratings perspective and that was a very memorable day for me. However, I did not get the lump in my throat that I did watching the telly as Frankel and Sir Henry Cecil were together at Ascot for one last time. I was also at Aintree when Big Buck's won his record breaking seventeenth consecutive race and while it great to see the magnificent horse in the flesh, the moment was one of appreciation rather than life affirming, passion defining drama.

Determining what makes a great moment is obviously an entirely subjective matter and our opinions can only be drawn from the individual experiences which shape our being. That said, you are completely wrong on this one

 

[granger]

You will have to forgive me for speaking flatese

I will entertain a lot but not that shite

 

[Bonjers]

That was pretty special! What a race.

 

[moehat]

I always resented the fact that Kauto might beat Dessies record and for that reason probably never warmed to him the way that I should. Until, that is, his 5th win which left me totally awestruck.

 

[granger]

It is actually interesting to think how protective we are of our favourites