Legendary jockey Ruby Walsh has shared an unexpected tip for the upcoming Cheltenham Festival that he believes will get your adrenaline pumping. Walsh has his eye on Ahoy Senor, a horse who had a dramatic fall in last year's Gold Cup but could be a great bet in the Stayers' Hurdle on Thursday.
Ahoy Senor's Recent Form
Ahoy Senor has had a light season, with only two outings so far. Both times, he pulled up in the Coral Cup Handicap Chase on soft ground and the Grade 2 Charlie Hall Chase when the going was good. However, his last hurdle race was a dominant win, beating Bravemansgame by seven lengths in the Grade 1 Sefton Novices' Hurdle at Aintree in April 2021.
Walsh's Insight
Speaking on the Cheltenham Countdown podcast, Walsh expressed his confidence in Ahoy Senor's trainer, Lucinda Russell, to bring the horse back into top form for the spring season. While Walsh acknowledges that a few competitors may surpass Ahoy Senor, he believes that holding an ante post docket at 40-1 each way when the horse is leading the field will be an exhilarating experience.
Competition and Favorites
Top trainers Gordon Elliott and Willie Mullins are expected to field strong contenders in the Stayers' Hurdle. Teahupoo and Walsh's 'number one' Irish Point are currently the joint favorites at 7-2. Mullins' Impaire Et Passe, a former Ballymore winner, is also highly regarded and is priced at 5-1 in some places. Cheveley Park's Sir Gerhard, who was previously with Elliott before the controversy, is a 9-1 shot.
Potential Upsets
Monkfish, trained by Mullins, is coming off a recent win at Gowran Park and has seen his odds cut to as short as 10-1. However, last year's Stayers' Hurdle winner, Sire Du Burlais, could surprise everyone and defend his title at the age of 12. Walsh notes that it will be Sire Du Burlais' first run this season and winning on his first outing has been a challenge for him in the past.
Ruby Walsh's Final Thoughts
Walsh acknowledges that Sire Du Burlais is getting older and may face some challenges in terms of fitness. He believes it would be a remarkable training performance if the horse can compete and win without a previous run this season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a racehorse need a certain type of shoe?
Racing plates are typically lighter and thinner compared to regular horseshoes. These plates offer the necessary grip on the track while minimizing their weight. A farrier skilled in working with racehorses will carefully select and fit these shoes to match each horse’s hoof conformation and the specific racing surface they will be running on.
Can you train your racehorse anywhere?
Although initial training can be done on any track, race-specific training is often required in facilities that mimic the conditions the horse may face during competition. This can include tracks of the right size with the exact same type and surface that the horse will race upon. This helps to condition horses and allows them to become familiar with that specific racing environment.
How do you prepare a race horse?
A racehorse’s conditioning is a process that involves a combination of slow, long distance work for stamina as well as shorter, faster workouts for speed. The cardiovascular system, muscle structure, and bone structure of the horse must be developed over time with a specially designed exercise regime that mimics race conditions without injury or stress.
What is the first training step for a racehorse?
In the initial training phase, the racehorse must undergo a crucial stage called “breaking,” during which the horse is accustomed to the saddle, the bridle and the weight carried by the rider. During these sessions, patience is key to ensuring the horse feels comfortable around humans and with the equipment they will use throughout their racing career.
What kind of diet is best for a racing horse?
The diet of a racehorse must be balanced and high-quality to meet the demands for energy during training and racing. The feed is a mix of commercially produced racehorse-specific feed, high-grade hay and grains such as barley or oatmeal. In order to ensure peak performance, it is important that the diet be supplemented with vitamins and minerals.
How critical is the horse’s pedigree in racing success?
Pedigree is a good indicator of potential but it’s not the only factor that determines a horse’s performance. While a horse’s pedigree may indicate a inherited talent for speed and endurance, other factors such as training, health, or temperament also play a role. Good training can maximize a horse’s natural abilities and even allow it to outperform others with more impressive pedigrees.
Statistics
- The majority of racehorses in training are subject to an exercise regimen that includes being ridden six days a week.
- The Injury Database from The Jockey Club reports that synthetic racing surfaces have a lower horse fatality rate than dirt tracks, with a statistically significant difference of 1.2 fatalities per thousand starts on synthetics compared to 2.0 on dirt tracks.
- Statistically, less than 1% of thoroughbred foals born each year will go on to win a stakes race.
- Studies suggest that proper early training can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries in racehorses by up to 50%.
- Gastrointestinal issues affect up to 90% of racehorses during their training, emphasizing the need for careful dietary management.
- Racehorse mortality rates during racing have been observed to be between 1.5 to 2 deaths per thousand starts, depending on the racing jurisdiction.
External Links
paulickreport.com
thoroughbred-racing.net
theridinginstructor.net
thoroughbredracing.com
keeneland.com
britishhorseracing.com
How To
How to choose race-specific gear for your horse
When outfitting your racehorse, choose lightweight, durable tack to improve performance without weighing the animal down. Racing saddles provide the least amount of weight and interference to allow for maximum speed. You should use racing bridles with a slim profile and a strong construction to give you control while avoiding unnecessary bulk. Choose racing plates instead of traditional horseshoes to enhance traction and speed on the track. Always ensure tack fits properly to prevent injuries and maintain comfort during racing and training.
