I've always believed that 'champion jockey' is a meaningless term . However the sport continues to make much of it every year and inevitably someone will end up having ridden more winners than everyone else over a specific period. Jospeh O'Brien has performed most effectively from a tender age, withstood considerable pressure of expectation and probably endured an ascetic lifestyle as well to contain his weight. Yes , he had an advantageous background but while that gave him the opportunity there was no guarantee that he would be able to exploit it unless he had the requisite talent , aptitude and application. So to the industrious teenager -I say 'well done lad'.
What price would anyone think is a fair price for him to ride a winner at cheltenham festival 2013?
l got a price off pp for it a while ago but did'nt think it was great.
What price would anyone think is a fair price for him to ride a winner at cheltenham festival 2013?l got a price off pp for it a while ago but did'nt think it was great.
Both Smullen and O'Brien are on international duty next w/end and won't be riding at either of the 2 remaining flat meetings - so it's effectively ...over.......Fat Lady receiving standing ovation as we speak.
Both Smullen and O'Brien are on international duty next w/end and won't be riding at either of the 2 remaining flat meetings - so it's effectively ...over.......Fat Lady receiving standing ovation as we speak.
Pity SYT is not qualified for the bumper. But to be fair he has done well and unless those concerned had confidence in him he would not have been put up on those animals.
Pity SYT is not qualified for the bumper. But to be fair he has done well and unless those concerned had confidence in him he would not have been put up on those animals.
Hate to be a killjoy guys but the sinister raising of the weights for maidens and conditions races just before the start of this years flat season, the type of races the majority of the Ballydoyle inmates contest was no coincidence, while it was not Josephs fault as darker forces were at work behind the scenes, but it does take the gloss off somewhat and questions once again the integrity of those who purport to regulate and run Irish racing.
Hate to be a killjoy guys but the sinister raising of the weights for maidens and conditions races just before the start of this years flat season, the type of races the majority of the Ballydoyle inmates contest was no coincidence, while it was not
Fair enough ozy you have a point, but somebody has to point out the truth, can't rely on the racing media to report on the truth, cue head in sand at the slightest hint of a controversial topic.
Fair enough ozy you have a point, but somebody has to point out the truth, can't rely on the racing media to report on the truth, cue head in sand at the slightest hint of a controversial topic.
He is not a champion jockey. He is an average jockey who because of his privileged position managed to ride more winners than anyone else. Champions are born not manufactured.
He is not a champion jockey. He is an average jockey who because of his privileged position managed to ride more winners than anyone else. Champions are born not manufactured.
Of the eleven meetings scheduled in Ireland between now and the end of the flat season proper on Sun 4th, 9 are all jumps cards, talk about bringing the flat season to a close with barely a whimper?.
I'm sure if Aidan found out that Smullen was planning to fly home from the Breeders Cup to ride at Leopardstown on Sunday with a full book of rides, daddy would insure that Joseph would be accomodated with a good book of rides and flown home just as swiftly, even if its a pretty forlorn chance that Pat could wrestle the championship from under Josephs nose, there remains a possibility as long as there is enough races, but its probably not worth the effort as Joseph will probably end up with a better book of rides anyway.
Of the eleven meetings scheduled in Ireland between now and the end of the flat season proper on Sun 4th, 9 are all jumps cards, talk about bringing the flat season to a close with barely a whimper?.I'm sure if Aidan found out that Smullen was planni