Ed Quigley
Horse racing has witnessed a number of thrilling races down the years which have showcased an elite level of competition and excitement. In this piece we will examine five of the best – and you can find the best horse racing bookies on FIRST to bet on all the action.
Edredon Bleu – Champion Chase (2000)
One of the most stirring finishes to any race witnessed in the history of the Cheltenham Festival, as the Henrietta Knight trained Edredon Bleu, jumped from pillar to post in the hands of A.P McCoy to land the honours.
That doesn’t tell the full story though – as turning into the home straight, the eight-year-old had to fend off the challenge of the favourite, Flagship Uberalles, and the strong travelling Direct Route, in the hands of Norman Williamson.
The final stages of the contest developed in pulsating fashion, as wonderfully captured by the dynamic tones of Simon Holt’s commentary and the memorable quote; “Final fence, three in a line!”
Flagship Uberalles’ challenge wilted up the Cheltenham Hill to allow the other two to tussle it out over the final 100 yards or so.
McCoy was at his vintage best with a ‘never will surrender’ attitude, and of course a very willing partner. Edredon Bleu and Direct Route passed the winning line almost in unison, to the sound of gasps from the packed enclosures.
No one in the immediate aftermath was sure who had got the result and the photo finish was called. As the horses made their way back in front of the stands, the result was called, resulting in a fantastic cheer from the crowd, in one of the most epic battles.
Ouija Board – Nassau Stakes (2006)
This was a belter which stays long in the memory. On a warm afternoon at Glorious Goodwood in 2006, two great Fillies slugged it out down the home straight in what was more reminiscent of two heavyweight boxers going toe-to-toe for a world title bout.
Ouija Board versus Alexander Goldrun. Neither would give in, and it produced the most thrilling spectacle. It seemed for eternity that there were only two individuals involved and it proved the case.
For most of the Goodwood home straight, these two eyeballed each other – nothing could split them at the 2f marker, and nothing could at the line, or so it seemed in real-time, as the judge called a photo.
The announcement over the public address system was that Ouija Board had prevailed by the barest of margins, as the winning jockey Frankie Dettori looked to the heavens with a mixture of joy, relief and delight. If you haven’t seen it or need to jolt your memory bank – go and watch it, it’s a classic.
Inglis Drever – Stayers’ Hurdle (2008)
A magical moment at the Cheltenham Festival, and one of my all-time favourite Cheltenham Festival races, as the nine-year-old Inglis Drever won his third Stayers’ Hurdle.
The Howard Johnson trained gelding, successful in 2005 and 2007, lined up for the 2008 renewal as the 11/8f, almost slotting into the ‘home banker’ category arriving on the back of a five-length success in the Cleeve Hurdle.
What followed was a race of sheer excitement, as Inglis Drever, the mount of Denis O’Regan, hit his customary flat-spot about four flights from home when short for room, and started to make seemingly heavy weather of it.
However, we had grown fond of his running style, and sweeping down towards the last hurdle he started to eat up the ground on those ahead of him; he passed My Way De Solzen and then produced for his challenge, he pinged the last alongside Kasbah Bliss and Kazal.
This left Inglis Drever and Kasbah Bliss to fight it out in a terrific tussle, which in truth was only going to produce one winner.
📆 March 13, 2008
đź“Ť@CheltenhamRaces🗣️”Inglis Drever makes Cheltenham history and wins his third World Hurdle!” 🙌#CheltenhamFestival #IconicMoments pic.twitter.com/uqmnYPdDdb
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 6, 2019
Commentator Simon Holt reminded us that “he usually storms up the hill”, and In pouring rain, that was what he did, as the crowd’s roar urged him home as he he crossed to the line to euphoric scenes of Denis O’Regan saluting the crowd, groom Ginni Wright in tears, and punters going berserk.
The reception the pair received upon coming back to the winners’ enclosure was the stuff of goosebumps. A truly memorable afternoon back in 2008.
Wichita Lineman – William Hill Trophy Handicap Chase (2009)
Often referred to as one of A.P McCoy’s greatest ever moments, in which he was sat on the extremely brave, but clumsy novice chaser Wichita Lineman.
The horse had only had three starts over fences coming into this race, and was making his handicap debut off a mark of 142.
The figures made him look well treated on his hurdling exploits, but would the relative lack of experience over the bigger obstacles ultimately find him out?
Well, for 95% of the race, the duo looked all at sea, as Wichita Lineman fluffed and fiddled his way over many of the fences – albeit, and most importantly staying in the contest.
Halfway through the race, the heavens opened; the rain lashed down, and punters were feeling disillusioned as the favourite seemed to be going nowhere. Not for Wichita and AP though!
McCoy seemed to galvanise the eight-year-old who started to respond to the Champion Jockey’s urgings.
The feeling of hope was sensed in the 60-thousand-strong crowd, as under immense pressure, the pair started to pick off rivals one by one approaching the home straight.
Jumping the last, they were still a good few lengths down on Maljimar, but urged on by the adrenaline charged spectators, Wichita Lineman stuck his big white face down and got up to win on the line in a thriller.
Sea The Stars – Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (2009)
Sea The Stars will go down as one of the greatest ever, and watching the John Oxx trained legend strut his stuff was a pleasure.
His three-year-old campaign had been perfect; five Group 1’s, five wins, and then all eyes were on France for a Sunday in October that capped off a remarkable career.
The race didn’t quite go to plan from the off, as Sea The Stars was very keen and then got shuffled back in the early exchanges.
However, veteran jockey Mick Kinane didn’t panic, and it was in the home straight he waited to make his move, and as he did so the roar from the crowd was exhilarating.
He burst through the gap near the rail to then quicken up and win by two lengths. “Perfection in equine form” hailed BBC Jim McGrath, as Sea The Stars crossed the line with connections visibly ecstatic.
The son of Cape Cross never raced again, as those close to him avoided the temptation of a four-year-old campaign.
He didn’t need to prove anything else, and it was that one afternoon that brought it all together and will never be forgotten.
