Richard Cook I think Cyrname only ran two good races. In one of them he beat Altior, but over Cyrname's preferred distance, not Altior's. Long gone are the days when Cyrname was rated the best horse in training. I've always felt he got that rating without ever having won a championship race.
The most devastating 2 mile steeple chasing performance I've ever seen. He would have seen the legendary Master Minded off without a shadow of a doubt.
Without doubt Sprinter Sacre was one of the very best 2mile chasers, if not THE best. Only Flyingbolt can be compared to Sprinter Sacre, and I am old enough to remember Flyingbolt. Altior is a really exciting prospect and may well be a fitting successor to the great Sprinter Sacre.
Difficult to compare generations, but can;t imagine anything past or present being able to beat Sprinter at this level. Even managed to come back and win this again after an illness that saps the life out of a racehorse. I remember Denman having the same thing and it was like watching him go round at half pace for the rest of his career. For Sprinter to topple a top of game Un De Sceaux after that was nearly unbelievable.
Robert, having been fortunate enough to have been around to follow Flyingbolt's career - there is no doubt in my mind Sprinter Sacre is the best 2 mile chaser i have seen in the 40 years since. As you say it is always difficult to compare generations - what i would say, is that at their peak over 2m both Sprinter Sacre and Flyingbolt were as close to a sure thing as it is possible to get - why i prefer them both to Arkle over 2m is that they both had an effortless swagger about them - Geoff Boycott(Arkle) may have scored more runs but Ian Botham(Sprinter Sacre & Flyingbolt), scored them with a style and panache that could't fail to put a smile on any racing man's face). To watch Flyingbolt win the Champion Chase by 15 lengths in a canter and then less than 24hrs later come a close third in the Champion Hurdle was something that anyone who saw it that day at Cheltenham will never forget. Ted Walsh who like me regards Flyingbolt at his peak as the best horse over fences he has seen, considers the astonishing performances he produced in that season as without parallel in racing.
Very much agree, as you say it's that swagger and natural brilliance that does it. I used to think the same of Hurricane Fly until he came unstuck that one year in the champion hurdle at 8/13 and came fourth, with no excuse. I wasn't around for flying bolt unfortunately, although I find it very odd they'd run him in the champion hurdle in successive days unless certain he would win. What's the point otherwise?! Did like running douvan in this years champion chase and champion hurdle, doesn't make sense?
That was a great performance and I really liked Master Minded, however for me it wasn't anywhere near as impressive because: A) While the distance was huge, sometimes that can be misleading - Look at "Our Connors" win in the triumph by a huge distance, don't recall him winning a race again (although injured in next years champion he had 5 previous runs all losses). B) He never ran like that again and you have to question the form. Sprinter did this every time he ran until the heart problem. C) Sprinter had that effortless swagger, his races were finished within a matter of seconds every time before injury. Master was a bit more hit and miss. Don't get me wrong though, I loved Master Minded, just some of his performances weren't in the same league IMO.
The only reason it was a weak field is because everything was to scared to take Sprinter Sacre on. Cue Card would probably be the next best 2 miler around though the Tizzards knew they could win the Ryanair, and also knew they had no chance with SS. Sizing Europe was still unbeaten this season before this race. Just because hes 11 it doesnt mean hes past it, afterall Moscow Flyer won the Champion Chase aged 11. Look at the way SE pulls 12 lenghs clear of the rest with SS, SE is still a class act
He is a remarkable horse with a fantastic cruising speed. I am so happy that a star is born in sprinter sacre. This performance reminded me about the way master minded won. It was an awesome performance. I would take any odds about him regaining the champion chase next year.
BHA have immediately raised him from 179 to 188, which underlines this as one of the all time great performances. 2lbs off Kauto Stars' best and 2lbs ahead of Master Minded and the second best performance since 1967.
The key to this is how good of a horse Sizing Europe was - although a fraction past his pomp here he still drew clear of the others three out with Sprinter and looked comfortable and then Sprinter destroyed him in a matter of strides. But for the injuries he'd have blitzed the King George a couple of times as well he could have been just as devastating over a quick three miles.
Here goes the black aeroplane! That's what I would of said if. I was doing the commentary. An absolute beast. Of a horse I had 7 mixed accas going on this horse and wasn't really worried at all once the great sizing Europe dropped out.
Fond memories. This was a joke of a performance. No horse would ever stop him at 2 miles in that form. Massive shame about the heart problem, could genuinely have 3 Champion Chases to his name by now. Fingers crossed he is as fit and as well as can be for March.
well you never know i'm certain nicky Henderson will do what's right by SS, but even at 11yrs old, which he won't be until 23 april 2017, he can still win the QM Chase, I want to see him take on Douvan, everyone is saying what a super horse he is, well he will be pretty good should he beat SS which I doubt. Still say Barry Geraghty is a more sympathetic rider than Nico de Boinville on SS, even if nico was SS's work rider.
Obviously different tactics on the late Sanctuaire would have made little difference to who won. However, I thought he was some value in the race and I couldn't believe that Nicholls didn't have him running his usual front-running effort. I know it didn't work in the Tingle Creek against the wonder horse but it was the only way he ran well (hold-up tactics in the Victor Chandler had failed).
i think punters loved this horse .. but like frankel.. we never could back it so the "winning" in a horse is always more memorable .. serious horse though possibly my favourite
Read there's an unbeaten Australian jumper coming to race over here. Pitch him against Sprinter Sacre and it'd be a bloodbath though. Sprinter Sacre is unparalleled and will light up 2013/14 NH season.
Similar victory to Master Minded's first win in Queen Mother. He never reached those heights again understandably but this animal looks something else. If Geraghty had took the foot of the brake a little earlier, think of the distance he could of won by !!!
If Flyingbolt can be rated to give SS 18 lbs and a beating,then the ratings are flawed and should be reviewed or scrapped forthwith. Not in my lifetime nor anybodies lifetime could that conceivably ring true.
He was impressive and we wont know how good he is until there is more quality opponent.Sizing europe is one good horse but he is 11yo here .The rating is inflated and he has not been pressured yet over fences and the small field makes it more easier.He is still miles below arkle or flyingbolt's rating or standard.It is not his fault to be born in a ordinary era.
Not true.Sprinter Sacre would have given Flyingbolt plenty to think about and I was around when Flyingbolt was in his prime. The Sprinter Sacre of 2013 was a truly awesome chaser and I believe was unbeatable.
The french Breeders of SS have said to Nicky Henderson that they can't believe he's only running him over 2 miles his breeding on his Dams side has 3 miles running through it lets hope its the case. then we came enjoy more than 4 races a year if he is as good at 3 miles then were in for a treat . If KS can do it theres no reason SS can't . Oh and if we do see SS go to Aintree then SS ,Cue Card, Flemenstar What a Race
one of the worst champion chases in recent years,an 11 year old well past his prime was the only half decent competition.Why wasnt last years winner allowed to defend his crown
David hasselboff shows how little you know about horses. Sprinter sacre bled a little in one race which could lead to anything lungs heart and thin veins. So before you open your mouth & make stupid statements do some research. Anyway prize money in the jumping game is far less than the flat. So what money?
As Clare Balding said, the Channel 4 Racing presenter, 'In a league of his own'. This horse could emulate Badsworth Boy if this horse keeps producing performances like this. Brilliant.
he looks like he could be the best 2 mile chaser but its to early to say ... sizzing europe is a great horse, but he is not an azertyiop or well chief who moscow flyer beat every time he raced them ... and kauto star won top races from the tingle creek up to a cheltnham gold cup and most likely would of won the champion chase if he never fell the year he won, he has cemented his legacy
As you well kmow Finians Rainbow and SS are from the same yard, and connections clearly knew SS would abliterate him, and ofcourse Barry Geraghty would have chosen to ride SS, despite FR being the defending champion. Sizing Europe was unbeaten this season and has shown no sign of beimg in decline, so i still think SS beat a pretty good horse in SE
finians rainbow still should have been there i think,would have made it more interesting,and the soft ground thing is strange,when he has winning form, from good,good-soft,and soft.!!
i get the fact that ss scared off some competition and on form he was always gonna win.Im definitely not knockin sizing europe,i love that horse,but while moscow flyer might have still been at his best at 11,sizing europe isnt.my main ask is,where was finians rainbow?
The problem with staying at 2 miles is that there are only 3 Grade 1 Chases for 2 milers in the uk all the other grade 1's are novice chase's and only two suitable grade 1 races in Ireland So at some point he must try further or run in grade 2 races . Otherwise we will only see him sparsely over the next few years and that would be a sporting crime !!!!!
With both at there best …. Sprinter Sacre ! I think he would have Kauto off the bridal ( and previous champions of yesteryear , mentioning no names lol ) well before final furlong !
Haha the Gold Cup, are you mental? Why on earth would a horse with such incredible speed go for a Gold Cup. Only time we'd ever see him upped in trip would probably be at Aintree in the Melling over 2m4f in 2014
Kauto Star? WTF Who cares abotu KS? Sprinter is rated higher than EVERYBODY bar Arkle/Flyingbolt (who had boxes next to each other in Dreaper's yard BTW).
i just hope henderson and raymond mold have a bit of balls and run at aintree over 2 miles 4 furlongs against flemestar and cue card, master minded tried to do it after his cheltenham demolition job and most champion chasers have doen it. moscow flyer just to name one but henderson wants to be a coward and not test sprinter at 2 miles 4 furlongs on a flat track????? (i want him to go to aintree so i can hopefully get 1/2 or 2/5 and i will smash him)
Sensational, sparkling and spine tingling... Commentary was on point for sure
@Chief Brody LOL Not at all my friend British actually but it's a term I've gotten to like
Having watched this back again, there is absolutely no way on planet earth that Altior can be considered as good as Sprinter Sacre
Altior is unbeaten over fences. 4 Cheltenham in a row. Wish him very best for the upcoming hunt season
@@masalbugdov8123 Not anymore the almighty Cyrname
Altior is a battler where as Sprinter oozed class
Richard Cook
I think Cyrname only ran two good races. In one of them he beat Altior, but over Cyrname's preferred distance, not Altior's.
Long gone are the days when Cyrname was rated the best horse in training. I've always felt he got that rating without ever having won a championship race.
The most devastating 2 mile steeple chasing performance I've ever seen. He would have seen the legendary Master Minded off without a shadow of a doubt.
And me
Another Great Under-Rated Race Horse Was Remittance Man He Was At His Best Over 2m - 2m 4f He Was Another Great Horse For Trainer Nicky Henderson
Loved Remittance Man. Always travelled with a friend which was a sheep called Nobby.
Brilliant horse and a fantastic jumper of a fence
Spectacular performance - brought back memories of the great Flyingbolt !
Yes, for me too.
Sprinter Sacre is God's horse, he's just been loaned out to us for a while.
Without doubt Sprinter Sacre was one of the very best 2mile chasers, if not THE best. Only Flyingbolt can be compared to Sprinter Sacre, and I am old enough to remember Flyingbolt. Altior is a really exciting prospect and may well be a fitting successor to the great Sprinter Sacre.
Fast forward one year 🐴💥💥💥😁
Difficult to compare generations, but can;t imagine anything past or present being able to beat Sprinter at this level. Even managed to come back and win this again after an illness that saps the life out of a racehorse. I remember Denman having the same thing and it was like watching him go round at half pace for the rest of his career. For Sprinter to topple a top of game Un De Sceaux after that was nearly unbelievable.
Robert, having been fortunate enough to have been around to follow Flyingbolt's career - there is no doubt in my mind Sprinter Sacre is the best 2 mile chaser i have seen in the 40 years since. As you say it is always difficult to compare generations - what i would say, is that at their peak over 2m both Sprinter Sacre and Flyingbolt were as close to a sure thing as it is possible to get - why i prefer them both to Arkle over 2m is that they both had an effortless swagger about them - Geoff Boycott(Arkle) may have scored more runs but Ian Botham(Sprinter Sacre & Flyingbolt), scored them with a style and panache that could't fail to put a smile on any racing man's face). To watch Flyingbolt win the Champion Chase by 15 lengths in a canter and then less than 24hrs later come a close third in the Champion Hurdle was something that anyone who saw it that day at Cheltenham will never forget. Ted Walsh who like me regards Flyingbolt at his peak as the best horse over fences he has seen, considers the astonishing performances he produced in that season as without parallel in racing.
Very much agree, as you say it's that swagger and natural brilliance that does it. I used to think the same of Hurricane Fly until he came unstuck that one year in the champion hurdle at 8/13 and came fourth, with no excuse. I wasn't around for flying bolt unfortunately, although I find it very odd they'd run him in the champion hurdle in successive days unless certain he would win. What's the point otherwise?! Did like running douvan in this years champion chase and champion hurdle, doesn't make sense?
This wasn't as impressive as Master Minded in 2008, that was the best 2 mile performance I've ever seen
That was a great performance and I really liked Master Minded, however for me it wasn't anywhere near as impressive because:
A) While the distance was huge, sometimes that can be misleading - Look at "Our Connors" win in the triumph by a huge distance, don't recall him winning a race again (although injured in next years champion he had 5 previous runs all losses).
B) He never ran like that again and you have to question the form. Sprinter did this every time he ran until the heart problem.
C) Sprinter had that effortless swagger, his races were finished within a matter of seconds every time before injury. Master was a bit more hit and miss.
Don't get me wrong though, I loved Master Minded, just some of his performances weren't in the same league IMO.
Sprinter Sacre was a better chaser than Master Minded and I have little doubt that SS would have beaten Master Minded with some authority.
The only reason it was a weak field is because everything was to scared to take Sprinter Sacre on. Cue Card would probably be the next best 2 miler around though the Tizzards knew they could win the Ryanair, and also knew they had no chance with SS. Sizing Europe was still unbeaten this season before this race. Just because hes 11 it doesnt mean hes past it, afterall Moscow Flyer won the Champion Chase aged 11. Look at the way SE pulls 12 lenghs clear of the rest with SS, SE is still a class act
I love this horse, i'm his number one fan, love you sacre!
What I'd give to see this tomorrow...
+Horsez1701 wishes sometimes come true!
Ruth Ramsden They really do!! Cried my eyes out what a horse 💖
+Horsez1701 Me, too :)
Read this in 2019, and it brought a smile to my face. Remembering that 2016 win, one of the moments that made the festival, certainly for me
He is a remarkable horse with a fantastic cruising speed. I am so happy that a star is born in sprinter sacre. This performance reminded me about the way master minded won. It was an awesome performance. I would take any odds about him regaining the champion chase next year.
Sprinter Sacre will go down as THE greatest in history by the end of his career. He would win a King George in his sleep. Absolute machine
Legend!!! So sad to see whats happened to Sprinter Sacre now. Now a shadow of his once invincible self
Great horse sprinter Sacre was pity he had that setback , but even after that he came back and won against UDS
BHA have immediately raised him from 179 to 188, which underlines this as one of the all time great performances. 2lbs off Kauto Stars' best and 2lbs ahead of Master Minded and the second best performance since 1967.
The key to this is how good of a horse Sizing Europe was - although a fraction past his pomp here he still drew clear of the others three out with Sprinter and looked comfortable and then Sprinter destroyed him in a matter of strides. But for the injuries he'd have blitzed the King George a couple of times as well he could have been just as devastating over a quick three miles.
will go close in 2016 QM champ chase as he looks back to his galloping and jumping best
Here goes the black aeroplane! That's what I would of said if. I was doing the commentary. An absolute beast. Of a horse I had 7 mixed accas going on this horse and wasn't really worried at all once the great sizing Europe dropped out.
Fond memories. This was a joke of a performance. No horse would ever stop him at 2 miles in that form.
Massive shame about the heart problem, could genuinely have 3 Champion Chases to his name by now. Fingers crossed he is as fit and as well as can be for March.
well you never know i'm certain nicky Henderson will do what's right by SS, but even at 11yrs old, which he won't be until 23 april 2017, he can still win the QM Chase, I want to see him take on Douvan, everyone is saying what a super horse he is, well he will be pretty good should he beat SS which I doubt. Still say Barry Geraghty is a more sympathetic rider than Nico de Boinville on SS, even if nico was SS's work rider.
Waiting for the Queen Mother Champion Chase 2014 with Sire de Grugy !
Best performance ever ❤
Born of the racing Gods Awesome !
Obviously different tactics on the late Sanctuaire would have made little difference to who won. However, I thought he was some value in the race and I couldn't believe that Nicholls didn't have him running his usual front-running effort. I know it didn't work in the Tingle Creek against the wonder horse but it was the only way he ran well (hold-up tactics in the Victor Chandler had failed).
i think punters loved this horse .. but like frankel.. we never could back it so the "winning" in a horse is always more memorable .. serious horse though possibly my favourite
Frighteningly awesome
Hope he's back this year, nobody will touch him if in top form. Sad that Sire is injured.
Legend
100000 x better than altior
Agreed
that we will never know, the two horses are chalk and cheese, one spectacular the other a terrier, Both are fantastic
Any idea of the name?
Read there's an unbeaten Australian jumper coming to race over here. Pitch him against Sprinter Sacre and it'd be a bloodbath though. Sprinter Sacre is unparalleled and will light up 2013/14 NH season.
Backed Sprinter an it was never in doubt
Similar victory to Master Minded's first win in Queen Mother.
He never reached those heights again understandably but this animal looks something else. If Geraghty had took the foot of the brake a little earlier, think of the distance he could of won by !!!
If Flyingbolt can be rated to give SS 18 lbs and a beating,then the ratings are flawed and should be reviewed or scrapped forthwith. Not in my lifetime nor anybodies lifetime could that conceivably ring true.
Absolutely agree with you. john.
He was impressive and we wont know how good he is until there is more quality opponent.Sizing europe is one good horse but he is 11yo here .The rating is inflated and he has not been pressured yet over fences and the small field makes it more easier.He is still miles below arkle or flyingbolt's rating or standard.It is not his fault to be born in a ordinary era.
Not true.Sprinter Sacre would have given Flyingbolt plenty to think about and I was around when Flyingbolt was in his prime. The Sprinter Sacre of 2013 was a truly awesome chaser and I believe was unbeatable.
Shocking horses like this years
Timeform rate Sprinter Sacre higher than Kauto Star.
The french Breeders of SS have said to Nicky Henderson that they can't believe he's only running him over 2 miles his breeding on his Dams side has 3 miles running through it lets hope its the case. then we came enjoy more than 4 races a year if he is as good at 3 miles then were in for a treat . If KS can do it theres no reason SS can't . Oh and if we do see SS go to Aintree then SS ,Cue Card, Flemenstar What a Race
one of the worst champion chases in recent years,an 11 year old well past his prime was the only half decent competition.Why wasnt last years winner allowed to defend his crown
David hasselboff
shows how little you know about horses. Sprinter sacre bled a little in one race which could lead to anything lungs heart and thin veins. So before you open your mouth & make stupid statements do some research. Anyway prize money in the jumping game is far less than the flat. So what money?
Beast!!
As Clare Balding said, the Channel 4 Racing presenter, 'In a league of his own'. This horse could emulate Badsworth Boy if this horse keeps producing performances like this. Brilliant.
I was there
he looks like he could be the best 2 mile chaser but its to early to say ... sizzing europe is a great horse, but he is not an azertyiop or well chief who moscow flyer beat every time he raced them ... and kauto star won top races from the tingle creek up to a cheltnham gold cup and most likely would of won the champion chase if he never fell the year he won, he has cemented his legacy
As you well kmow Finians Rainbow and SS are from the same yard, and connections clearly knew SS would abliterate him, and ofcourse Barry Geraghty would have chosen to ride SS, despite FR being the defending champion. Sizing Europe was unbeaten this season and has shown no sign of beimg in decline, so i still think SS beat a pretty good horse in SE
lol at this being available in HD when this channel doesn't even use an HD camera. How did you film this, from up in a tree with a chocolate biscuit?
finians rainbow still should have been there i think,would have made it more interesting,and the soft ground thing is strange,when he has winning form, from good,good-soft,and soft.!!
Anyone else notice how low he keeps his head when he runs ? Very similar to another rather good horse ???
Best mate?
moduel gunna win it this year
i get the fact that ss scared off some competition and on form he was always gonna win.Im definitely not knockin sizing europe,i love that horse,but while moscow flyer might have still been at his best at 11,sizing europe isnt.my main ask is,where was finians rainbow?
The problem with staying at 2 miles is that there are only 3 Grade 1 Chases for 2 milers in the uk all the other grade 1's are novice chase's and only two suitable grade 1 races in Ireland So at some point he must try further or run in grade 2 races . Otherwise we will only see him sparsely over the next few years and that would be a sporting crime !!!!!
Beginning to think you'd need a Flying Bolt to worry this fellow on a run-in, and only Arkle, needless to say, to beat him.
Oops, lol....small if no chance of anything ever beating him, awesome...
Sacre v Kauto Star over 2.4 miles........
With both at there best …. Sprinter Sacre !
I think he would have Kauto off the bridal ( and previous champions of yesteryear , mentioning no names lol ) well before final furlong
!
Marty Bennett
Over 2 1/2 miles, Sprinter Sacre would have had far too much pace and class for Kauto Star to handle.
Haha the Gold Cup, are you mental? Why on earth would a horse with such incredible speed go for a Gold Cup. Only time we'd ever see him upped in trip would probably be at Aintree in the Melling over 2m4f in 2014
Kauto Star? WTF Who cares abotu KS? Sprinter is rated higher than EVERYBODY bar Arkle/Flyingbolt (who had boxes next to each other in Dreaper's yard BTW).
himself :)
simply ridiculous
Bashboy
i just hope henderson and raymond mold have a bit of balls and run at aintree over 2 miles 4 furlongs against flemestar and cue card, master minded tried to do it after his cheltenham demolition job and most champion chasers have doen it. moscow flyer just to name one but henderson wants to be a coward and not test sprinter at 2 miles 4 furlongs on a flat track????? (i want him to go to aintree so i can hopefully get 1/2 or 2/5 and i will smash him)