It’s hard to believe it is 2008 already.
It seems it was only yesterday when we were looking the end of civilization in the face, as the new millennium approached.
The New Year is also a time for looking back at the previous year.
From a racing perspective it was an interesting year.
The race fixing trial started at the Old Bailey and what an anti-climax it turned out to be, with the Crown offering no convincing evidence whatsoever. It was no surprise when the judge threw the case out.
Mr Fallon’s relief was short lived however as, within 24 hours of the case collapsing, news emerged that he had failed a drugs test at a French race meeting earlier in the summer. He faces a inquiry in France later this month.
On the track, once again it was Frankie’s year, when he finally broke his Derby hoodoo, winning the premier classic at the fourteenth attempt.
The day before, at the same meeting, The Oaks went to Henry Cecil after a few years in the doldrums and there were few who begrudged him the win.
The flat jockey championship was the most thrilling in living memory, with the dual between Seb Sanders and Jamie Spencer going to the final race on the last day. Spencer took that final race to tie the title and most agree it was a fitting conclusion to the race.
Over the sticks it was, once again, Tony McCoy’s season as he won his 12th jockeys championship. It still staggers me that such a consistent, consummate sportsman continually fails to make the final ten, when it comes to the BBC Sports Personality of the year awards.
Of the equine stars there was only one star - Kauto Star. Winner of a £1m bonus for winning the three top chases. He is on target to win the same bonus again this year, having already won the first two legs.
He is destined to be one of the greats.
However he also faces a young pretender in the shape of stable mate Denman. A young horse showing precocious talent.
All things being equal they look destined to meet in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham in March – if the clash takes place, get your tickets. It is going to be an “I was there” race.
It seems it was only yesterday when we were looking the end of civilization in the face, as the new millennium approached.
The New Year is also a time for looking back at the previous year.
From a racing perspective it was an interesting year.
The race fixing trial started at the Old Bailey and what an anti-climax it turned out to be, with the Crown offering no convincing evidence whatsoever. It was no surprise when the judge threw the case out.
Mr Fallon’s relief was short lived however as, within 24 hours of the case collapsing, news emerged that he had failed a drugs test at a French race meeting earlier in the summer. He faces a inquiry in France later this month.
On the track, once again it was Frankie’s year, when he finally broke his Derby hoodoo, winning the premier classic at the fourteenth attempt.
The day before, at the same meeting, The Oaks went to Henry Cecil after a few years in the doldrums and there were few who begrudged him the win.
The flat jockey championship was the most thrilling in living memory, with the dual between Seb Sanders and Jamie Spencer going to the final race on the last day. Spencer took that final race to tie the title and most agree it was a fitting conclusion to the race.
Over the sticks it was, once again, Tony McCoy’s season as he won his 12th jockeys championship. It still staggers me that such a consistent, consummate sportsman continually fails to make the final ten, when it comes to the BBC Sports Personality of the year awards.
Of the equine stars there was only one star - Kauto Star. Winner of a £1m bonus for winning the three top chases. He is on target to win the same bonus again this year, having already won the first two legs.
He is destined to be one of the greats.
However he also faces a young pretender in the shape of stable mate Denman. A young horse showing precocious talent.
All things being equal they look destined to meet in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham in March – if the clash takes place, get your tickets. It is going to be an “I was there” race.
