Goodbye 2016: Sporting Thoughts

Happy New Year to all. May dreams be realised and troubles kept at bay. Odd number new year so slightly apprehensive; but generally optimistic .

The first of the New Year brings a thirty two year end to the transmission of racing by Channel Four. ITV will be picking up the reins at the Cheltenham meeting (Where else?)

 A sad day for all us followers. During this time we have witnessed triumphs and sadness for the big and small trainers alike and of course, wonderful horses have been rightly on centre stage; Dawn Run; Best Mate; Moscow Flyer; Istabreq; Hardy Eustace and undoubtedly the best flat horse I never actually saw the mighty Frankel.

Qipco 2000 Guineas 2011
The above is something we will never see again. In a straight mile at Newmarket , the first classic of the season for three year olds Frankel simply destroyed the opposition, making every yard of the running and at one stage  was fifteen lengths clear of the rest. Astonishing.

The Champion Trainer's Prize  is based solely on the amount of prize money won. The season runs from April to April. This season 2016/' 17  we have an interesting developing situation.

Paul Nicholls   Wins 111   Places 157              £1,332,398.51     ( first as @ 11/'16 )
Colin Tizzard   Wins 38    Places 95                £1,132,266.06     ( second)

Looking at these figures you will notice that current champion Paul Nicholls has won on 111 times, whereas second place Colin Tizzard has only won on 38 occasions , but is only £200,132.45 behind.
How can that be you ask?  Well the answer is that Colin has three super Grade1 winning horses in his stable: Cue Card ( winner Betfred Gold Cup ); Thistlecrack ( winner King George V1 chase) and Native River ( winner Hennessy Gold Cup, Welsh Grand National .)

At the moment, all three horses are set to meet in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March 2017, Their odds being currently 12/1; 5/4 ; 12/1 respectively. Perhaps all three will be placed. We shall see.

🐴🐴🐴🐴🐴


Well that about wraps up this short piece, The  NewYear is only hours away; whilst Newcastle having won 3-1 last night (30 / 12 / '16) have regained their lead by one point  at the top of the Championship; Although nearest rivals Brighton have a game in hand ( postponed because of fog ) and would have replaced the Magpies at the top.
Meanwhile Cheltenham Town, who also played last night lost 0-1  and remained stranded near the botom of League 2. Work to be done.

Well nothing succeeds like excess, so have a good bash tonight and i'll see you all next year,

WiFi for Now,
Ck.

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please feel free to comment and point out faults.
glad to have you aboard .

Curlykale.

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