13th G1 For Goldikova

Racing needs it's stars and yesterday we were treated to two of them as both Goldikova and So You Think landed Group One prizes.  Goldikova had to battle hard to dispose of Cirrus des Aigles by a neck at Longchamp, while So You Think bolted up by 7 lengths at the Curragh at the prohibitive odds of 1/7.  Of So You Think, trainer Aiden O'Brien said "he's an incredible horse, a different creature to what we've ever seen before and we're very lucky have him racing on this side of the world" - that was his sixth Group One win and he looks unbeatable and a real superstar.  What more needs to be written about Goldikova?  13 Group One wins...enough said.

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I see that Richard Hughes has met with some criticism following his ride on Dubawi Gold in the Irish 2,000 Guineas on Saturday.  The Richard Hannon trained colt finished a close second to Roderick O'Connor and I must agree that I think Richard overdid the hold-up tactics somewhat.  Richard Hannon Jnr seemed quite upset and said "He should have won and he won't be ridden like that again".  I would imagine that he will be ridden much nearer the pace next time.  Still, it was a good result for winning rider Joseph O'Brien - it was his first Classic success and he is only eighteen today - congratulations to him!

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Can you imagine if they had a selling hurdle at Cheltenham.  Well, there was one in 1954 and it was won by a certain Lester Piggott aboard Mull Sack.  Lester also won at the Cheltenham Festival in the Triumph Hurdle in 1954 aboard Prince Charlemagne - he carried on riding over jumps until 1959...not many people know that.