Moore’s outburst was balderdash of the highest order
Moore is, essentially, famous for two things, his ability in the saddle, probably the best around right now, and the fact that, more often than not, he has little or nothing to say.
Well, we know now that he can talk alright, when it suits him. He was apparently furious at the presence of “rubbish” outsiders in the field and seemed to think they may have cost him the race. It was a classic fit of pique.
This really was balderdash of the highest order. There was no excuse for the trouble Moore found through the contest, with just 13 horses in the line-up. One of the “rubbish”’ outsiders to which Moore was referring was Marhaba Malyoon, who eventually finished 96 lengths last of the 13.
I thought his trainer, David Simcock, produced a delicious put-down of Moore. Said Simcock: “To be brutally honest, if Ryan Moore felt he was hampered by the two outsiders then maybe he should be more aware of what’s going on around him.”
Moore was clearly under a lot of pressure, trying to win the Derby for The Queen for the first time, and was left grasping at straws afterwards.
Carlton House arrived with every chance with two furlongs to run and just didn’t pick up in the manner that a really top class colt should.
And the fact that the winner, Pour Moi, was last into the straight and came from behind Carlton House seemed to be totally lost on Moore.
Add in that outsiders have always been part and parcel of the Epsom Derby and his ramblings simply become illogical.
A year earlier Aidan O’Brien ran a horse in the race, At First Sight, which went off at the same price as Marhaba Malyoon, 100-1. He finished second to Workforce.
Overall this Derby was especially disappointing, with just two and a half lengths covering the first five home.
In sixth place was Recital, who carried on the same way as he had when winning the Derrinstown at Leopardstown, again appearing rather ungenuine.
Wind was given as a possible explanation at Leopardstown, anyone know how strong it was at Epsom?
WHEN Frankie Dettori dropped his hands close home on Blue Bunting in the Oaks at Epsom yesterday week, you knew immediately retribution from the stewards would be swift and decisive.
It looked terrible and they had to act in a manner which told the public this sort of behaviour was not acceptable. Dettori was handed a suspension of ten days.
Fast-forward to Listowel last Sunday and that injudicious ride from Mikey O’Connor aboard Rebel Fitz in a maiden hurdle.
Rebel Fitz, a heavily-backed favourite, was never going to deliver, after O’Connor had simply got the timing all wrong.
There was no question of any sort of skullduggery, it was just a case of a rider giving another horse, in this case Mr Sykes, far too much rope and setting his own partner an impossible task.
If what Dettori did looked terrible then this was worse. Those who waded in on Rebel Fitz waited for O’Connor to make his move and they waited and then waited some more. The move never materialised.
The stewards decided that a three-day suspension was sufficient punishment. I’d say they were on their own, by a long way, thinking that was enough.
IT was a pleasure to be at Listowel on Sunday and Monday. Recently, here, we waffled on about the incessant noise at the Curragh on Irish Oaks afternoon, but Listowel got the balance just right.
The people using the PA system said what they had to say quickly and coherently and then offered patrons the gift of silence. There was no lack of atmosphere.
When the last race finished on Sunday a band began to strut their stuff. Leaving the course one was struck by the scores of people who had stayed on to listen to the music and enjoy a beer. Trust the Kerry lads to get the mix spot-on.
TUESDAY morning a letter arrived in the post. It was from the Curragh racecourse and signed by commercial manager, Evan Arkwright. Enclosed was a complimentary ticket for the Derby, enabling me to bring a guest of my choosing. In a short few words, Arkwright expressed the hope that I would enjoy Derby Day. Now that’s what you call style.
