Greatness by man or horse...!!

BobbyD10

Okay, lets see what kind of a list we can draw up here.

I am looking to see memories from people of great races they can recall from any point in history.

Whether its great Gold Cup winning performances, Epsom Derby rides, or simply an outstanding effort by a horse on the all weather.

Whatever people give applause to as something special they have seen.

One for me personally is the ride Kieran Fallon gave Kris Kin to win the Epsom Derby, absolutely tremendous ride and determination by the horse.

So who knows what other feats people may remember.

kincsem

Watching Sea-Bird winning the Epsom Derby in 1965 on BBC in black and white. He cruised up on the outside two or three furlongs out and quickly drew five lengths clear without trying.

I remember telling my parents I had seen a fantistic horse winning the Derby very easily. They scoffed when they heard he won by 1 1/2 lengths.
Timeform later called it the greatest Derby performance, and at the end of the season gave him their highest rating ever (TF 145). A typical Derby winner is rated about 125.

Only in the last few years did I learn why Sea-Bird had won by such a small margin. His trainer had told his Australian jockey to be careful with the horse as there was a path just past the finish line. The horse crossed the line virtually pulled up. Anyone who has walked the track at Epsom will have seen the numerous stony paths crossing the course, many / all of them now covered with mats.

I go to the Epsom Oaks and Derby every year, and have seen nothing like that performance.

Robin1982

Video: Sea Bird II's Derby

Video: Sea Bird II's Arc

My favourite of them all - but I haven't seen the full race length version since that day

Video: Arazi 1991 BC Juvenile

Tush

Istabraq will always stand out for me.

knighted_1

agreed tush istabraq was a joy to watch nearly cried the day he fell at leopardstown didnt care about the race after that just wanted him to get to his feet and return unharmed -which he did

and the raptuios applause he recieved when he pulled up in the champion hurdle at cheltenham -spine tingling stuff -a true great

wb

Tush wrote:

Istabraq will always stand out for me.

Agreed. I had my first proper bet on Istabraq. I'm certain he would have broken the record if it had not been for the foot and mouth disease.

fr wishy washy

Golden Cygnet with Niall "Boots" Madden up winning at Cheltenham by a distance on the bridle.Then cantering over Night Nurse and his other so called superiors when he took a fatal fall at Ayr in the Scottish Champion Hurdle.