For a mile and three quarters of the Smurfit Champion Hurdle Hardy Eustace
ran the race we expected of him.
In front, putting pace to the contest, he was the prey for Rooster Booster
and the defending champion had him firmly in his sights.
Jumping the second last the roar from the grandstand began. One of the four
bankers of the week was set to strike a hammer blow to the bookmakers.
Three
strides from the final hurdle Rooster Booster was in front. A fluent leap
there, power away up the hill, this is just how we had pictured it.
But it didn't happen. He may have been in front on landing at the last but
three strides after the obstacle the reign was over.
Hardy Eustace, who many
thought a handicap snip in the Coral Cup but no match for the best at the
minimum trip, was again at the head of the field.
Powering up the hill with the same determination that had landed last year's
Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle there was no way he could be cut down.
This was a brilliant front-running display, featuring a tremendous round of
hurdling.
It was a training performance to rival the best from Dessie Hughes,
resisting the temptation to head to perhaps more logical targets, and
bringing his stable star to his peak for the second year running when it
mattered most.
Connor O'Dwyer, brilliant in the saddle, punched the air on the return to
the winners' enclosure. It was a joyful scene, but one marred by tragedy.
His victory in 2003 seemed to confirm jockey Kieren Kelly's elevation to the
top flight. Months later he tragically lost his life in a fall.
He was remembered here, at a time of fulfilment for a horse he had done so
much to develop.
It was a savage reminder of what exactly is on the line
every time the equine and human partnerships head to post.
The 2003 Festival was launched with a rip-roaring renewal of the Supreme
Novices' Hurdle, Brave Inca landing a sizeable punt to beat the admirable
War of Attrition by a neck.
Punters had cash in their pocket, the memories of 2003 came flooding back.
But this is Cheltenham, history warns us to be cautious. Thisthatandtother
was a warm favourite for the Arkle after a brilliant novice campaign. He was
sure to get round. He fell at the second.
Even the Irish roar was silenced as Tony McCoy at his best overcame a severe
lack of momentum strides after the last to drive Well Chief home from the
much-vaunted Kicking King.
A good race but the principals may struggle next year when they face the
challenge of matching – and then dethroning – Moscow Flyer and Azertyuiop.
So as the sun shone down at Prestbury Park, we hailed a new champion,
thanked and old one for a tenacious defence and mourned a tragic loss.
Hughes perfectly captured the moment, saying: “This is great for all the
people involved but very sad because of Kieren. I think he must have
influenced this.”
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