Rhodedendron Can Bloom At Epsom

Tony Keenan thinks compensation awaits for Aidan O’Brien’s filly in the Oaks.

- Tony Keenan

Last month the Racing Post ran an interesting, if ultimately pointless, series of articles on the Jumps versus the Flat. The debate can never be resolved though it is notable that the National Hunt boys always seem more vocal in support for their preferred code than Flat fans, bemoaning the end of the season and all that went with it. It was a good Jumps season for all that it lacked real stars; Mullins and Elliott was a compelling storyline as was Jessica Harrington while the green-wash at Cheltenham and some excellent novice chasers provided plenty of interest.

It does seem a false dichotomy and it’s time for a public service announcement for readers: it is ok to enjoy both codes. I am frequently amazed that punters who like to bet on horses will disavow roughly half the year because they prefer another type of racing – but each to their own. With Punchestown proving such a spectacle, the Guineas at Newmarket rather crept up but both races should provide plenty of pointers into the summer.

The 2,000 Guineas looked a strong renewal beforehand despite a relatively small field but it proved unfulfilling in terms of finding the best horse, Churchill the winner on the day but there were a few in behind with excuses. It’s just the sort of race that illustrates the complexity of the sport, showing that good judges can interpret the result in different ways. Churchill had the run of things looking at positioning and sectionals but seems to idle in the finish and was conceding race fitness while the race-fit Barney Roy stumbled badly into the dip and didn’t handle the track. Al Wukair had to make up a lot of ground late and was probably the most disadvantaged with where he raced while Dream Castle suggested again that he will be better down in trip.