Istabraq blew me away at Leopardstown on Sunday with a performance that restored his reputation as the best Hurdler of all-time.
Since landing a touch on him in the SunAlliance Hurdle at Cheltenham almost five years ago I have, like all racing fans, followed every step of his march to immortality. But, and this is a big BUT, I had lost faith. I fell hook, line and sinker for all the negative vibes during the week, fuelled initially by his lack-lustre display on New Year's Eve.
Eyebrows raised when he was declared on Friday morning for the AIG, mildly surprised that he made the line-up and speechless when he produced such an emphatic display.
This was not the imposter who had fallen when beaten at the last three weeks previously. This was the Champion of Champions banishing all doubt in a manner that silenced even the most cynical of critics.
Never again shall I question his superiority or mock his scarf-waving devotees. When he adds a fourth Smurfit Champion Hurdle, as hecertainly will, I shall rue the day when I momentarily lost the faith.
Ross Moff was a totally different kettle of fish. The tactics employed on this stayer running over 2m1f beggar belief. Held up in rear he attempted to out-sprint Well Ridden from the last and predictably failed dismally. Over this trip, against this type of opposition I can't see him winning unless he is ridden more forcefully. In his defence, it was only his second race over fences (7 days after the first) and his connections must think of the bigger picture with regard to his bright future.
The International Classifications published during the week had a distinctly Irish flavour with Sinndar and Minardi heading the list of three and two-year-olds respectively.
Sinndar (132) has five pounds in hand of a trio that includes Giant's Causeway, but this does not quite emphasise how dominant he was over his age group last season. Once again speed appears to take preference over stamina.
Minardi's 123 is thekiss of death, as more often than not the champion two-year-old fails to deliver at three. The Ballydoyle team may also have a little grumble that National Stakes winner Beckett (118) is only rated on a par with King's County. He beat his stablemate by three lengths in that race, but it is still 13 pounds higher than Sinndar was allotted when winning the corresponding race twelve months previous.
A dark shadow was cast over the week's proceedings following the tragic death of three members of Autotote last Sunday. Leo Jones (54), Graham Walsh (23) and Kevin Masterson (20) were killed in a road accident while returning home from Leopardstown races.
As a mark of respect to the men there was no tote in operation at Tramore on Thursday and a minute`s silence was observed at both meetings during the week.
Tom MacGinty's long battle with cancer came to an end when the journalist passed away on Saturday morning. A leading member of his chosen profession for almost 40 years MacGinty (70) was senior racing correspondent with the Irish Independent until his retirement in 1993.
The two scheduled meetings at Down Royal were cancelled due to frost. The card from Saturday has been rearranged for next Wednesday and one race from Friday's fixture will also be carried forward to make an eight race card.
