Tic toc, tic toc, tic toc. Just four days to go everyone before we welcome 2020.
So this is my chance to wish you all a Happy New Year!
Theres no doubt 2019 has been a special in the world of racing, not least because the excellent Oisin Murphy became champion jockey – as this column predicted he would some time ago.
Would it not be great if he joined SunRacing next year? One can but dream!
Of course towards the end of any year its awards season, and there remains no doubt that the annual Yeeehaaas are the most coveted in the business.
So lets get the ceremony under way.
2019 Yeeehaaa Awards
Yeeehaaa for the Best Flat performance of 2019
The race that sticks in my mind is the Nunthorpe at York where Battaash showed us what he can do when he really wants to. Charlie Hillss gelding just blasted away and kept on going under the excellent Jim Crowley. When hes on song, Battaash is different gravy.
Battaash was in a league of his own at York
Yeeehaaa for Best Jumps performance of 2019
Has to be Paisley Park on his seasonal exploits and essentially a fabulous Sun Racing Stayers Hurdle success. Emma Lavelle has been a sensation with this star and he just got better and better with every run.
Yeeehaaa for Exciting conditional jockey to follow
Jonjo ONeill jnr is polite and talented and leading the way in the conditonal lists at the moment. With the backing of his father and getting more and more outside rides, a big career is ahead of him.
Yeeehaaa for Exciting apprentice jockey to follow
No surprises here. Young Cieren Fallon is absolute a chip off the old block of Kieren snr, and has come on leaps and bounds over the last year. Who knows if he will ever match what his father achieved, but he has the right attitude to do even better if the chances come his way. A credit to his parents.
Yeeehaaa for Jumps training performance of the Year
Lavelle and Paisley Park apart, I thought Pentland Hills rise to the top was pretty cool. To go from landing a maiden hurdle at Plumpton to the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham and then score at Aintree was terrific stuff from Nicky Henderson.
Yeeehaaa for Flat training performance of the Year
John Gosden stands alone here, for the way he campaigned Enable, Stradivarius, Logician, Too Darn Hot and Star Catcher was in a league of its own.
Yeeehaaa for Saddest loss
Owner Michael OLeary has threatened to cut back his interest in racing over the next few years. Tiger Rolls owner will be missed.
Yeeehaaa for He must run!
Tiger Roll in the 2020 Grand National in which he would be bidding for a hat-trick. Owner OLeary has said he is doubtful.
Yeeehaaa for Most brilliant trainer
Willie Mullins for his handling of Faugheen the machine. Hes just a joy to watch now over fences, and could run in the Champion Chase or Gold Cup – and no one would be surprised if he won.
Yeeehaaa for Winning is not everything
Magical has banged her head against the Enable wall for most of her career, but has proved shes a top filly in her won right with big-race success when the Gosden mare has not been around.
Yeeehaaa for the Most exciting horse to follow in 2020
I cant wait to see the brilliant juvenile Pinatubo in the 2000 Guineas. He was outstanding for Charlie Appleby as a juvenile this year with a string of wins culminating with success in the Dewhurst. Surely the Guineas is his for the taking.
Yeeehaaa for the Man who cant stop winning
Mark Johnston broke record after record in 2019 and his Middleham base has been a treat to watch. Britains winningmost trainer is a phenomenom.
Yeeehaaa for Special 100 up
Take a bow Hollie Doyle. Who not only got 100 but also became Britiains winningmost female rider.
Yeeehaaa for most Underrated Group 1 winner.
Star Catcher wasnt allowed to take on Enable in the Arc, but I have no doubt she is top notch and her will to win will allow the Champions Day victor to score some huge successes in 2020.
Yeeehaaa for Clash of the season
Enable v Crystal Ocean in the King George at Ascot.
Yeeehaaa for Man or woman of the Year.
Sam Twiston-Davies for his ride on Clan Des Obeaux in the King George at Kempton. Oisin Murphy for being a fantastic champion and Frankie Dettori who didn’t do badly!
I hope your 2019 was fabulous. And that 2020 is even better. Remember there are always people worse off than you and even me! Enjoy life. Happy New Year!
