The Real Whacker is back with the best

Flashbacks to the golden era of the 1980s when the likes of Wayward Lad, Burrough Hill Lad and Forgive N’Forget won races. On the board of Barton Bank in the 90s, see more. Business going back to the millennium.

The race where the best Britons started.

And in 2024, they intended to do it again. But times are very different, and the interior cupboards on this level are alarmingly empty.

The absence of rain ruled out Gray Dawn, leaving 2022 winner – and 2023 runner-up – Bravemansgame to target the Irish raiding party.

And on an afternoon when Envoi Allen touched Huick, Gerry Colomb and company at Down Royal, when Galopin Des Champs and Fact To File watched from their boxes at Closutton, and Fastorslow never left their home base, they were not A – listers

And they weren’t good enough.

The Real Whacker, winner of the Brown Advisory at the Cheltenham Festival in 2023, has come back to life from the front under Brian Hughes. Local winner for a good crowd to roar back.

Notably, he was the first member of Yorkshire’s leading chase for the National Hunt’s leading rider in the north, and it was clear from the outset that the partnership formed on the spur of the moment when Sam Twiston-Davies was unavailable was cemented.

Gradually the winner increased the pace, perfecting his fences and in a rhythm that broke the raiders by the time they jumped third last.

After a while the only question that needed to be answered was Harry Cobden sitting aboard Bravemansgame in second place? The answer, as it turned out, was fresh air.

The Real Whacker was not up for grabs, prompting wild celebrations for the merry band of owners. A great day for them, and a great reward for the trap.

“We always knew Wecker was a serious horse, there was no doubt about that, but after his last 12 or 14 months and what happened at Listowel when he hit the fence five times, you might have a bit of a doubt.” , – admitted the co-author. -owner David Mann, resplendent in a gorgeous maroon suit.

“But it was incredible to see Wecker back to his best, Paddy (Neville) showed he’s in some form today. It was a great ride from Brian Hughes, it’s a shame Sam couldn’t be here, we would have liked him to step up but it didn’t happen.”

Neville now trains at the yard of Sally Hall in Middleham, a relative of the man after whom the major competition is named.

Afterwards, he was besieged with welcome drink offers, but before they started pouring in, he found time to say: “I never wrote him off, but everyone else did, but it’s done.

“Last season we were just unlucky. Every time we went on it, the sky opened in advance. Today he had his position and I was happy all the way.

“We always intended to return for the Gold Cup on his field. That’s still the plan and we’ll go back to the Cotswold Chase, maybe we’ll go to the King George. Wherever he finds his position.”

“He’ll wear a hat if I demand it”

The massive celebrations from The Real Whacker team were in stark contrast to the lengthy debriefing held by Harry Cobden and Bravemansgame liaison trainer Paul Nicholls, a notable absentee who stayed south at Ascot.

The champion jockey came out of them and said: “He’s still a long way from his best. The winner’s rating is 157, so officially we’re at 153, right, which is way below his rating.

“We’ll see what Paul thinks, but next time he’ll wear the headdress if I demand.”

Next on the chasing calendar on these shores is the Betfair Chase at Haydock. It’s not on the radar for The Real Whacker, Bravemansgame, you guessed it, won’t be returning to Newton-Le-Willows either.

Maybe this is the day when Sira Zorya puts her marker on the upcoming season and wins a prestigious prize along the way. Venice Williams can unleash last year’s Royal Pagaille and L’Homme Presse winner, perhaps Iroko will return to his mobile team.

A few are waiting for their time. And while Mullins and company sit back all fall, it’s time for them to make hay while the sun shines. Over the past two weeks, it’s been long enough for The Real Whacker to get the hang of it, and he responded by giving his team a day to enjoy.

More from Sporting Life

Safer gambling

We are committed to supporting safer gambling. Recommended bets are recommended for people over 18 years of age and we strongly advise readers to only bet on things they can afford to lose.

If you are concerned about your gambling addiction, please call the National Gambling Helpline / GamCare by phone 0808 8020 133.

Additional support and information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org.