DENMAN AND THE REAL McCOY (From Halesowen News)

DENMAN AND THE REAL McCOY

9:29pm Thursday 12th February 2009

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With the Cheltenham Festival only 5 weeks away, the return of 2008 Gold Cup winner, Denman, to action was eagerly anticipated but it was almost a false start. With Newbury falling foul to the ongoing inclement weather, Kempton Park stepped in to save the day and stage the Levy Board Chase in which the Paul Nicholls trained charge was hot favourite. But the race didn’t quite go to plan with David Pipes Madison Du Berlais securing a 23 length winning margin over the 8-11 favourite. Disappointment was evident with both trainer and jockey, with the latter, Ruby Walsh assuming a foregone conclusion prior to the race.

Following the defeat, Denman’s price for the big race in March has drifted, with stable mate, and last years runner-up Kauto Star now courting favouritism, but a number of factors regarding last Saturdays run need to be taken into consideration.

It was Denman’s first run for nearly twelve months and this after a breathing operation. It’s taken as read that the horse prefers the left handed track of Prestbury Park as opposed to the right handed circuit at the Middlesex track and although beaten, Denman, and the eventual winner were well clear of the field. A fall for Tom Scudamore’s mount would have lead to an easy victory for Ruby Walsh and his ride and everyone would be claiming an easy win for Denman on the 13th March.

I’m still backing Harry Findlay’s horse to secure a second consecutive Gold Cup, with last years winning jockey Sam Thomas back on board. After witnessing “The Tank” coming up the hill last year, with Kauto in his wake, I can’t believe that a performance of such stamina and power was a one off. Get on!

After waiting what felt like an age, champion jockey Tony (AP) McCoy finally carded his 3,000th winner. The victory, aboard Restless D'Artaix at the modest venue of Plumpton, gave the 13 time champ a landmark that is unlikely to be equalled, certainly for the foreseeable future. The amount of effort and hard work dedicated to winning by McCoy and many of his colleagues is sorely underestimated. Far from just turning up and mounting the horse, the life of a jockey is one of fitness training and abstinence that would make the average professional sportsman wince. Unfortunately, the achievements of the Irishman are likely to be ignored when the awards are handed out, particularly by the BBC at the cringe-worthy Sports Personality of the Year. The only equestrian winner of recent years being a member of the royal family. But for us racing fans, breeding, as far as the riders are concerned anyway, is immaterial. Skill and effort courts our appreciation and when, hopefully, A.P. dismounts in the winner’s enclosure at Cheltenham this year, you will be able to hear the cheers as far away as Buckingham Palace.

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If you want to know why the England football team under perform on a regular basis look no further than the match against Spain this week. The claims of fringe players such as James Milner ignored so that former Captain David Beckham could register a record equalling cap. While Beckhams presence in the squad carries more credibility now that he is a regular at AC Milan, we all know his capabilities and the blooding of potential future stars should surely take precedence over cameo appearances by established regulars.

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Fabulous news regarding the future of the Somers Sports and Social Club in Halesowen. The continued presence of sporting facilities such as those at The Grange is to be welcomed as we seek to encourage the next generation of high achievers.

Richard Nevin.

Listen to Richard Nevin every week on the Friday Sports Forum between 7 and 9pm on 102.5 The Bridge and on 442, the post match football show airing on 97.2 Beacon Radio every Saturday from 5’till 6.

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