My Top 5 Races
Flat Racing is my passion. I have followed the sport since I was in primary school; ‘a quarter of kola cubes and a sporting life please’ was my usual Saturday morning order at the local newsagents.
I have seen some memorable races involving legendary racehorses and here, in no particular order, are my top 5 flat races.
1. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes 1975
The match between Grundy, the Derby winner, and Bustino who had won the previous year’s St Leger. Two pacemakers ensured a gruelling test and Joe Mercer riding Bustino sent his charge on fully half a mile from home but was soon being pursued by Grundy ridden by Pat Eddery.
A titanic tussle all the way down the Ascot straight saw both horses battle back after being headed at different stages before Grundy finally prevailed by half a length in a race record time, a record that was held until Harbinger’s win in 2010. Unsurprisingly the race left its mark on both horses with Bustino never racing again and Grundy finishing a distant 5th on his only other career start, but this was a race that will be talked about for eternity and anyone who has witnessed it will understand why.
2. Nassau Stakes 2006
An incredible battle royal up the Goodwood straight between two of the toughest fillies of their generation Ouija Board and Alexander Goldrun. After a lengthy photo finish it was Ouija Board who prevailed under an inspired Dettori ride.
3. The Eclipse 2009
The brilliant Sea The Stars added to his Guineas and Derby victories with a hard-fought win over the extremely talented Rip Van Winkle. Sea The Stars was in front plenty soon enough and looked in trouble when Rip Van Winkle came up to his quarters one furlong from home. Like the superstar that he was, John Oxx’s brilliant colt accelerated again in the final 100 yards to prevail by a length, showing tons of tenacity to go with his immense class.
4. The 2000 Guineas 1993
Trained by Andre Fabre in France, the brilliant Zafonic stormed to a 3 ½ length victory over subsequent Breeders Cup winner Barathea. This wasn’t a tight finish after a protracted battle like other races on the list, but simply a display of sheer class to spread-eagle a quality field. On that dreary day in May 1993 Zafonic was poetry in motion.
5. Jockey Club Cup 2003
The gallant Persian Punch, trained by David Elsworth, made a habit of winning races after looking beaten at some stage and this was never in evidence more than on 18th October 2003 at Newmarket. Having made the running, he was swamped by several rivals approaching the 2 furlong but once battle was joined on the uphill finish to the line it was Persian Punch, showing tenacity and courage in spades, who put his head down to prevail in a blanket finish.
