I nearly spilled my morning coffee when I saw the result flash up on my phone yesterday. There's nothing quite like a proper racing upset to wake you up at 7am - especially when it involves a British trainer raiding France for a tasty £33k prize.
Nicky Henderson. The man's a genius.
When Constitution Hill's Workout Buddy Becomes the Star
So here's teh thing about Aston Martini - she's been living in the shadow of Constitution Hill as his work companion. Imagine being known primarily as "that horse that gallops alongside the champion." Poor girl deserved her moment, and boy did she grab it with both hooves.
Felix De Giles barely had to move a muscle as she cruised past the finishing post a ridiculous TEN lengths clear of Il Est Francais - a horse that was supposed to be the next big thing in French racing. I watched the replay three times and still couldn't believe what I was seeing. A 7-1 shot absolutely demolishing a 3-5 favorite who'd previously pushed Banbridge to the limit in the King George.
What the Hell Happened to Il Est Francais?
Back in December 2023, I was at Kempton when Il Est Francais put in one of the most spectacular jumping displays I've ever witnessed in the Kauto Star. The Surrey crowd was buzzing. Everyone was talking about this French superstar who jumped like a stag and traveled like a dream.
Then came Boxing Day 2024. He looked home and hosed in the King George until Banbridge mugged him late. No disgrace there.
But something's clearly gone wrong since. The Ryanair flop was concerning, then he bled at Auteuil in November, and now... this disaster. Third in a race he should've won with his eyes closed.
Seven Barrows Smash and Grab
Henderson couldn't care less about Il Est Francais's problems though. His mare - closely related to Grand National winner Rule The World - just banked a lovely cheque and grabbed some valuable black type. I spoke to a friend at Seven Barrows this morning who told me they'd been planning this raid for weeks, only to nearly abandon it when they saw Il Est Francais was declared.
Thank God they didn't.
Hendo's actually been here before. Won the same race with Fixe Le Kap back in 2017. The old fox knows his way around Compiegne better than most British trainers - apparently even rode there himself half a century ago! (Makes me feel young for once.)
Chappers Stirs the Pot
Trust Matt Chapman to throw a grenade into the mix. Watching the race on Sky, he suggested Il Est Francais should be sent to... guess who? Yep, Henderson himself.
Can you imagine the awkward conversation between Noel George and Hendo after that? "Erm, so your horse just thrashed mine... fancy training him instead of us?"
I caught up with a French racing journalist last night who reckons the owners are standing firm behind George and Zetterholm, but something's gotta give. The horse is now 20-1 for the King George - drifted like a barge after yesterday's showing.
What Next for Henderson's Wonder Mare?
Aston Martini heads home with her reputation massively enhanced. Rated 132 over hurdles, she looked every inch a 150+ horse yesterday. Henderson was typically understated afterwards, but I'm told he was doing cartwheels internally.
The mare was getting 2lbs from Il Est Francais but honestly could've given him a stone and still won. That's how impressive she was.
Henderson's actually selling 21 horses at Doncaster later this month, but you can bet your mortgage that Aston Martini won't be among them. Not after yesterday's performance.
The French Connection
I've always loved these midweek French raids. There's something deliciously sneaky about British trainers nipping across the Channel and pinching prize money when nobody's looking. £33,000 for a Listed race on a Wednesday? Yes please!
Compiegne looked absolutely stunning yesterday too - lush green grass that most British tracks would kill for in May. No wonder Henderson was waxing lyrical about the place afterwards.
As for Il Est Francais... George says he'll have a summer break before coming back in autumn. I'd suggest a long holiday somewhere very far away from Aston Martini.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of the jockey when training a racehorse?
Jockeys play an essential role in training racehorses. Not only do they ride the racehorses during workouts and give feedback, but they help educate the horse on racing tactics. A good jockey is able to recognize the horse's strengths, weaknesses and how they can be improved.
What are the different methods of race training for different horse breeds and types?
It is true that race training can differ for different horse races, due to the differences in breed characteristics and distances. Thoroughbreds that are usually associated with long-distance racing on flat surfaces receive different training from Quarter Horses. Each breed requires a tailored approach to meet their physical and behavioral traits.
When should a horse begin training for racing?
Although horses can begin basic training at a young age, they usually start more intensive race training and conditioning around the age of two. When their bodies are mature and able to handle the stress of the track, but still young enough to learn. However, the exact timing may vary depending on the individual horse's development and temperament.
How do I train a racing 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. A carefully designed regimen of exercise must gradually strengthen the horse's cardiovascular, muscular, and skeletal system. This is done to mimic the stress of racing, without injuring or overstressing it.
Is it necessary for a racehorse to have a specific type of shoe?
Racing plates are typically lighter and thinner compared to regular horseshoes. These plates reduce weight and provide traction at the racetrack. A farrier who is experienced in fitting shoes for racehorses will choose and fit the shoe to match the horse's specific hoof and racing surface.
How often are racehorses trained?
Racehorses are trained according to their individual needs, fitness levels, and race schedule. A typical daily routine would consist of exercises such as walking and trotting. More intense workouts such as galloping, or breezing, are performed several times per week to increase stamina and improve speed. Rest days allow the horse time to recover from training and to avoid overtraining.
Statistics
- Statistically, less than 1% of thoroughbred foals born each year will go on to win a stakes race.
- An extensive survey indicated that over 90% of racehorse trainers utilize swimming as a low-impact exercise in their conditioning routines.
- The average racehorse reaches its peak physical ability between the ages of four to five, with some variation based on the breed and individual development.
- Studies suggest that proper early training can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries in racehorses by up to 50%.
- 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.
External Links
How To
How To Reduce Injury Risks When Training Racehorses
Implementing a training program that matches the horse's current fitness level will help to minimize injury risks. Combine high-intensity exercises with sufficient recovery time to avoid overtraining. For safety, make sure the surfaces of racing and training are kept in good condition. Regularly check the tack to ensure it is fitted properly and for any wear. Swim or do other low impact activities as a cross-training to maintain joint health.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/horse-racing/dettori-shatters-royal-ascot-dreams-im-staying-in-america
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