Watching a Champion Turn Into a Pacemaker Makes Me Sick

By Lewis Barnett 25 June, 2025 6 mins read 34 Views

God, this one hurts to write about.

I've been following horse racing for fifteen years now, and I can't remember the last time I felt this genuinely upset watching a former champion get reduced to what basically amounts to... well, being the guy who sets the pace so his stablemates can win. Continuous – remember that name? – used to be the horse everyone talked about. Now he's running at 100-1 odds just to make other horses look good.

Audio Summary of the Article

September 2023: When Everything Was Perfect

Let me take you back to Doncaster, September 2023. King Charles is in the crowd (yeah, the actual King), Ryan Moore's in the saddle, and Continuous is absolutely flying. Three lengths clear in the St Leger, pocketing £421,000 like it was nothing. I remember texting my mate Dave: "This horse is going to be massive."

Poor Dave. He probably wishes he'd never gotten that text.

The Arc de Triomphe was next – fifth place, just over three lengths behind Ace Impact. Not bad at all for a horse still figuring out his potential. Then came another Group 3 win in 2024, and honestly? Everything looked set for Continuous to become one of those horses you tell your kids about.

The Fall From Grace (Or: How to Waste a Million-Dollar Horse)

Here's where it gets painful. His last three starts? 50-1, 66-1, and 100-1. Those aren't typos – those are the actual odds for a horse who's earned over £1 million in his career.

At the Tattersalls Gold Cup last month, Wayne Lordan basically turned Continuous into a rabbit. Slow start, then pushed him to the front at a crazy pace just to set things up for Los Angeles. It was like watching someone use a Ferrari as a taxi.

Then came Epsom. Same story – Continuous does all the donkey work under Derby winner Lordan, finishes fourth after fading in the final furlong. Jan Brueghel wins (another stablemate, naturally), and Continuous gets to watch from behind.

Royal Ascot: The Final Insult

Triple-digit odds at Royal Ascot. 100-1! For a St Leger winner!

The really maddening part? O'Brien's tactics completely backfired this time. Los Angeles was the 13-8 favorite, but both Ballydoyle horses looked like amateurs when Ombudsman (7-1) stormed home for the Gosdons. Sometimes the racing gods have a sense of humor, I guess.

Los Angeles is now sitting out the summer after that mess-up. But Continuous? He's still entered everywhere, still getting quoted at ridiculous odds, still being treated like expensive cannon fodder.

What's Next? (Spoiler: More of the Same)

Princess of Wales's Stakes at Newmarket – 20-1. Curragh Cup nine days later. King George at Ascot where he's... wait for it... 100-1 again. The Goodwood Cup at the end of July has him at the same odds, probably setting up another pacemaking job for Illinois (who's 7-4 favorite and finished second in the Gold Cup).

It's like watching a master chef get relegated to washing dishes.

Even the Punters Are Getting Emotional

I'm not the only one feeling this way. One punter on X wrote something that really stuck with me: "Something very disappointing seeing a horse like Continuous being used as a pacemaker this season! With his pedigree and fine race record he really could have been a fine horse to stand at stud."

Exactly. This horse had everything – the breeding, the record, the talent. Now he's basically an expensive training partner.

Racing journalist Alistair Jones called it perfectly in the Racing Post, describing Continuous as a "sorry sight" after he "sacrificed his last three races for the benefit of others in the yard." Jones watched him trail home "tailed off" in the Prince of Wales's Stakes, and honestly? That phrase – "sorry sight" – captures everything wrong with this situation.

The Real Tragedy Here

Look, I get it. Racing's a business. Aidan O'Brien's got multiple horses to manage, and sometimes you need someone to do the dirty work. But using a Classic winner as your designated pace-setter feels like... I don't know, using a Rolls-Royce for demolition derby.

Continuous deserved better than this. We all did.

Maybe he'll surprise everyone and win something at those massive odds – stranger things have happened in racing. But watching a horse with "a lot of class" (as one punter put it) get reduced to this supporting role? It's enough to make you question why you fell in love with this sport in teh first place.

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 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.

Are there different race training methods for different horse breeds?

Race training methods can indeed vary for different horse breeds, as breed characteristics and racing distances differ. Thoroughbreds which are associated with long distance flat racing undergo different training to Quarter Horses which specialize in sprinting over short distances. Each breed requires a tailored approach to meet their physical and behavioral traits.

Can you race a horse on any track?

While initial training can occur on a variety of tracks, specific race training often requires facilities that simulate the conditions the horse will face in competition. It is important to use tracks that are the same size as the actual track the horse will be racing on. The correct track will help condition your horse and give them the experience they need in that racing environment.

How do you maintain your racehorse’s mental health?

Maintaining a racehorse’s mental health as well as their physical condition is crucial. Diverse routines are important for a racehorse’s mental well-being. Preventing stress and behavioral issues can be prevented by ensuring that the horse has regular social interactions with other animals and a calm, stable atmosphere.

How often is it recommended that racehorses are trained?

Racehorses are trained according to their individual needs, fitness levels, and race schedule. In general, racehorses will have a daily exercise routine that includes walking, trotting, or cantering. This is followed by more demanding work, like galloping or breezing at least three times a weekly, to improve stamina. Rest days are also important for the horse's recovery and to prevent overtraining.

What is the age at which a horse should begin racing training?

Although horses can begin basic training at a young age, they usually start more intensive race training and conditioning around the age of two. It is at this age that their bodies are ready to take on the demands of the racetrack, yet still young and flexible enough to adapt. However, the exact timing may vary depending on the individual horse's development and temperament.

Statistics

Approximately 70% of a racehorse's diet consists of forage, with the remainder made up of grains and supplements to meet their high-calorie needs.
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.
Research has found that a racehorse's stride length can increase by up to 7% following specific strength and conditioning programs.
Studies suggest that proper early training can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries in racehorses by up to 50%.
Statistically, less than 1% of thoroughbred foals born each year will go on to win a stakes race.

External Links

How To

How to monitor racehorse’s health during training

Maintaining the health of a racehorse requires regular health checks. Implement a daily routine of visual inspections. Pay close attention to a horse's gait. Schedule regular veterinary examinations, including dental and hoof care. Track your workout data and heartrate post-exercise in order to detect any changes that could indicate health problems. Treat minor concerns as soon as possible to avoid them becoming serious.

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https://sportingexcitement.com/horse-racing/french-racings-golden-boy-just-got-slammed-with-another-ban-and-this-time-its-messy