Chanel 4 Racing.

You've all said it far better than I could; I'm still a bit choked even though you knew he couldn't go on for much longer and it was great that he was in JP colours when he announced it. You could almost hear the 'OMG, what do I say' from them all. Let's just hope he has a trouble free final run to the end of the season. One thing's for sure, racing will see attendances go up wherever he rides until then.

He is a true Legend with a capital C.

Lifetime Achievement award at SPoY? I know Nick said about SP but others who vote outside of racing will have had a long time to forget how great he is by that time.
 
He is the ultimate professional. I really love following the jump racing +as others have said it was an emotional moment when AP announced his retirement. Can understand as he's at the top of his game +its such a tough sport. Would be nice if he is still involved with NH somehow.
 
I have huge respect for AP, but I'm pleased he's retiring. He's achieved so much, he's still at the top of his game, I think it's the right time to bow out. You can only go to the well so many times, I hope he retires in one piece, to enjoy time with his family. I wonder if he'll go into training?!

On another note...I was so gutted for Sire de Grugy. Can horses come back from injury and be as successful as their were pre-injury? Big Bucks last year, Cue Card and Sprinter Sacre this year ( although I think SS will come back and win) . I find it all rather sad, getting sentimental in my old age!
 
Mariposa said:
On another note...I was so gutted for Sire de Grugy. Can horses come back from injury and be as successful as their were pre-injury? Big Bucks last year, Cue Card and Sprinter Sacre this year ( although I think SS will come back and win) . I find it all rather sad, getting sentimental in my old age!
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Even without the mistake and losing his jockey Mr Mole had SDG's measure today. Cheltenham might be a totally different story and I hope it is as the Moore's really deserve every success they get.
 
I liked the way he just so casually dropped it into the interview with Rischi. Like you do. Oh by the way, I'm retiring. In his usual calm & understated way. He is an example to all young & aspiring sportsmen & women in how to conduct oneself & that hard work and determination & simply doing something because you love it & not because someone has waved £250k a week at you. Footballers take note !!
 
I always record the racing and watch in the evening. So glad I didn't see the news before I started watching. The impact was amazing, Rishi did well to keep interviewing!
I think AP has chosen his moment perfectly and hope he finishes the season uninjured.
As a small aside, my daughter went to stay at Toby Balding's for work experience and a young lad had to vacate his room for her. Yes.... it was Tony McCoy! Little did we know quite how famous he was to become!
 
Chiffy said:
I always record the racing and watch in the evening. So glad I didn't see the news before I started watching. The impact was amazing, Rishi did well to keep interviewing!
I think AP has chosen his moment perfectly and hope he finishes the season uninjured.
As a small aside, my daughter went to stay at Toby Balding's for work experience and a young lad had to vacate his room for her. Yes.... it was Tony McCoy! Little did we know quite how famous he was to become!
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I just wish he had done it the same way a lot of the top jockeys do (did) . It was always considered bad luck to announce you were retiring in the future , Sorry to be a little negative but it does not take away from what he has achieved . I dont think we should be to downbeat as there are some good young jockeys coming along who will be waking up today relieved he will be going but in a nice way!
 
There will be many tributes to this truly remarkable man, but will any better this? I doubt it.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2ViL7LdDTV8

Alec.

ps! Now praying that this will load! If it all works, do please watch it. I've found it moving, beyond words.

PPS. I suspect that it hasn't. Will someone send me an e/mail address so that I can forward it to them. Someone with a degree in IT would be handy!
 
Mark Boylan has some talent! And he is still very young (don't think he's hit 20 yet?)

I still love this from Limerick the other year where his undies were auctioned off!

The Ballad of AP’s Underpants

There’s a wise old saying
That’ll put you back on yer hocks
Behind every great man
Is a great pair of jocks

No better support*
Can be expected
With the elastic uplift
And the jewels protected

AP’s y-fronts*
Are a breed apart
The pressure that’s on ‘em
Would stop your heart

Galloping fast
Jumping and fallin’
The treatment they get*
Is utterly appallin’

God only knows
How the elastic survives
Not many are known
To have easier lives

They refuse to come loose
In the worst circumstance
Only Chantelle alone
Can get off these pants

Now you have a chance
To own this apparel
And support a great cause
Into the bargain as well

According to legend
These y-fronts are magic
They’ve won great races
T’would make you nostalgic

Pull ‘em on - You’re transformed
Nothing’s rational
Anything’s possible
You could win a Grand National

Straight from APs
Pert little arse
This is for real
This is no farce

Steam still rising*
from the last race
AP pushes hard
In the heat of the chase

Skid marks and all
Thrown in for free
Got a bit close
To fence number three

Put your hand in the air
And bid for them now
A collector’s piece
Something to wow

Signed and framed*
On the wall of your pub
Draw customers in
For a drink and some grub

On your bedroom wall
If your strength does diminish
They’ll give inspiration
When you’re riding a finish

Don’t mind the mortgage
Go without the dinner
Bid on APs underpants
They’ll make you a winner
 
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EKW said:
Even without the mistake and losing his jockey Mr Mole had SDG's measure today. Cheltenham might be a totally different story and I hope it is as the Moore's really deserve every success they get.
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I agree - the relationship between Jamie and SDG is just a wonderful. I also hope so so much that Cue Card comes back to full power, the Tizzards are a great team.
 
Well, we went to Fakenham today, Friday the 13th. an all!! We went, as many others, because it'll be the last time that many of us will get to see the maestro in action. We weren't disappointed. The fact that he was swamped by autograph hunters, having him sign their fixtures card, and he turned not one away, is the measure of the man for me. And yes, I caught him as he entered the weighing room, and yet again, with a smile and a welcome, and when I thanked him, he replied "It's a pleasure" and I believed him.

Two further observations, the wind cut across the course and was enough to drive many to shelter, it was bitter, and has anyone looked carefully at Sam Twiston Davies's legs? NEVER have I seen such a thin and skinny pair of ankles. He looks like he's breaking in a pair of legs for a seagull! :D

Alec.
 
Thank you Alec for the youtube tribute...wonderful.....racing will just not be the same....it was a privilege to have watched him.

Bryndu
 
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