EDWARD WALCOTT bopped on to the track with the look of a jackpot winner and as if it was his first victory as a trainer.
He then walked on cloud nine as he headed the party leading in the winner of the feature event of the Boxing Day programme at the Garrison Savannah. He could not contain his joy after Knight Rider had just conquered his biggest challenge yet in his evolving career.
Walcott’s euphoria – shared with wife Alison Hinds and others – was understandable. His charge had just silenced hundreds of doubting Thomases.
There was a hush among the majority of racing supporters after this year’s United Derby winner had beaten arguably Barbados’ most popular horse, Shared Adventure, in a driving finish over 1 570 metres.
Shared Adventure was the even favourite despite the feeling among turfites that he doesn’t relish soft going.
The generally held belief is that he is so superior to any other horse in training that he should prevail despite any obstacle that might arise.
In local parlance, the H&M-owned horse is “a monster”.
He is held in very high esteem and there are fairly sound grounds for elevating him to a special standing if not yet superstardom which, in my opinion, has still to be earned.
Shared Adventure is virtually unbeatable over the shorter distances with his blistering speed and has never been off the tins. Against that background, I had him to pass the post first but, unlike most, I didn’t blame the going for his loss.
He had every chance and the fact that he was only beaten by a narrow margin proved that there was no disgrace in his defeat. If the track wasn’t in his favour, he still showed his pedigree by fighting to the wire. That’s the hallmark of all true champions.
Knight Rider is on the rise and his most recent triumph would have won him more admirers. Lest we forget, in his previous start he was closing fast on the gallant Areutalkintome which held off a strong challenge in a pillar-to-post triumph over the middle distance.
Who’s foolish enough to say that he will not be a factor over 1 800 metres even against more seasoned campaigners?
Being the Derby winner, Knight Rider knows how to handle the trip but what I think is emerging about his character is that he’s an animal with a very big heart. He will not be intimidated and once he’s in striking distance in the homestretch all comers can expect a big battle.
In the early years of the Gold Cup, four-year-olds had a history of winning the premier event. We should take note of Knight Rider for this precise reason.
I know we shouldn’t get ahead of ourselves just yet because a lot can happen between now and the Gold Cup. Indeed, there’s the Coolmore which will, as usual, give good insight as to how the leading prospects are shaping up for the big one.
Will Knight Rider’s connections see it necessary to place him in this primer or will they skip it and bring him fresh for the Gold Cup?
Shared Adventure hasn’t gone the longer distance yet and until he does there will be a question mark about his capability although it is said that with his bloodlines it shouldn’t be a problem. Still, it will remain a mystery until he faces the starter from the 1 800-metre mark.
It seems almost a given that he will be entered in the Coolmore if his connections have any interest in the Gold Cup.
If a section of the huge crowd was disappointed with the outcome of the Boxing Day feature, one of the good things it has served to do is increase the intrigue we can expect in the coming months among the top-class animals.
Some are already saying that this year’s Gold Cup could be a toss-up when you consider that you can’t count out defending champion Aristodemus even though he hasn’t run lately.
Areutalkintome is more than capable of going any distance in any conditions. Discreetwon and Knight Rider are rising stars. Sir David Seale is likely to bring home Dashing David and there’s speculation that Eugene Melnyck might renew his interest in the Caribbean’s most prestigious race.
For sure, there’s plenty of quality for the Barbados Turf Club to work with. We can only hope the upcoming clashes will be well promoted so that a wide cross-section of the public will see the best of our racing stock fight to the finish.
Not only Edward Walcott would be highly delighted if results go in his favour.
• Andi Thornhill is an award-winning, experienced freelance sports journalist.
Email: [email protected]
