So Soldier Reeves winning at Cheltenham’s November meeting might have been an omen.
Maybe ominous indeed, sporting number 11 for the Skeltons while Rachel Reeves was so busy, next door to the PM in Downing Street, with her Budget.
The financial juggle, including moves which could be so critical for racing, was announced just after we went to press.
Rolf Johnson mulls over the perilous state of affairs in this issue, brilliantly taking legendary Grand National hero Manifesto’s patient and powerfully determined career – despite early mishap – as a possible pointer.
Two National wins, eight gruelling attempts under extraordinary handicap weights in a near 30-year life was history-making.
But it happened 130-odd years ago and, as Rolf also highlights, life and racing have changed a lot since then.
Well, some good things remain … and the beaming smiles at that Cheltenham meeting show the joys of the jumps are strong as ever.
Not just for the old guard. A young crowd thrilled to top action and a family day included fun-packed track events delighting parents, and the youngest first-time race-goers alike.
Ruby Walsh summed it up: “It is a magical time of year for jumps racing.”
What an advertisement for our most inclusive of sports – let’s hope the politicians were watching.
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Back issues: £4 each
Editor: Alex Gifford
Photos: Tracy Roberts
Art Editor: Oliver Clements
Designers: Bethany Joel, James Stewart and Steven Dando
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EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS
Paul Ferguson, Robert Cooper, Nick Townsend, Paul Jacobs, Andrew Ayres, Graham Buddry, Jeremy Grayson, Ian Heitman, Andy Newton
Distribution: Intermedia
Printer: Mortons, Horncastle
Opinions in Racing Ahead are those of the contributors and not necessarily the views of The Racing Paper Ltd.
ISSN: 1743-551X
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