As the end of the year approaches, it is a time to reflect. Racing in 2023 has been full of drama and excitement, so we asked our top team – Racing Editor MARCUS TOWNEND and Racing Correspondent DOMINIC KING – to give us their highlights and a crystal ball look into 2024.
There were so many special moments, what was your favorite?
MARCUS STADEND: Corach Rambler wins the Grand National. We have been following his preparations closely in Mail Sport, with our columnist Peter Scudamore serving as assistant and partner to gelding trainer Lucinda Russell.
Hopefully we have been able to convey the confidence the team had in the horse, but no one expected Corach Rambler to win such a competitive and dramatic race so easily, while jockey Derek Fox looked good as he headed to the final hurdle leadership drove.
DOMINI KING: Standing at the winning post as Frankie Dettori lifted King Of Steel with one final thrust to win the Champion Stakes. We go to sporting events hoping to have an “I was there” moment and that happened on October 21st.
Mail Sport's Racing Editor called Corach Rambler's Grand National victory one of the most special moments of the year
Racing correspondent Dominic King tipped Frankie Dettori's Royal Ascot swan song with King of Steel
Sean Kirrane's victory at Live In The Dream in York in August was an impressive racing event
This would be Dettori's last ride in Britain. He has always written his own scripts, but this was extraordinary. It was unique in racing to hear the crowd cheering and chanting his name in the aftermath.
What was the best ride you saw in 2023?
MT: Sean Kirrane at Live In The Dream at York's Nunthorpe Stakes in August. Some of his rivals probably underestimated the 28-1 shot, but the jockey used his horse's early speed to perfection, establishing a race-winning lead in the first two furlongs.
From the halfway mark Live In The Dream's lead was eroded but he kept them all at bay and set up a thrilling Group One for Kirrane and trainer Adam West with their first rider in such company.
Jockeys strive for rides that make a real difference and that is what Kirrane produced.
Do not know: Ryan Moore on Auguste Rodin in the Breeders' Cup Turf. Aidan O'Brien, the colt's trainer, was almost speechless in the moments after this victory at Santa Anita as Moore's effort was breathtaking, steadying his nerves and coming onto the rails.
Moore gave credit to his willing partner, and then to O'Brien, but everyone knew the best jockey around had produced a world-class ride when it mattered. He just beats Frankie Dettori on King Of Steel at Ascot and Paul Townend on Galopin Des Champs in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
What were the most beautiful horses you saw? One from the flat, one from the jumps
MT: That's easy about jumps: Constitution Hill. His nine-length defeat to State Man in the Champion Hurdle marked the outstanding run at the Cheltenham Festival. State Man fell to Willie Mullins on debut, but his only defeat in nine consecutive starts came against Constitution Hill.
On the Flat, the global displays of Ace Impact and Equinox were memorable, but the latter to Mostahdaf's maiden dive in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot sticks in the memory. He proved it was no fluke when he did everything he could to win the Juddmonte International Stakes in York.
Do not know: I can't disagree with Marcus on Constitution Hill. All I can add is that we are blessed to see him and every time he races should be a great event.
Auguste Rodin traveled across the pond in early November to win the Breeders' Cup Turf
Constitution Hill caught the attention of both Townend and King when it came to racehorse jumping
My Flat selection may raise an eyebrow, but here goes: City Of Troy. I spoke with his co-owner, Michael Tabor, after the colt won the Dewhurst Stakes. This flying machine has the potential to be extraordinary.
Has something disappointed you? What was your lowest moment of 2023?
MT: The lack of a quality performer from Charlie Appleby's Godolphin stable cast a cloud over the summer. There were some green signs of recovery in the autumn, with Ancient Wisdom being the highlight, but it could be another relatively quiet year for Godolphin.
However, everything pales into insignificance when you consider what happened to Graham Lee when he fell at Newcastle in November. It was shocking to see how a man who made a place for himself in history was affected.
Do not know: Absolutely right. The impact of that incident on the weighing room was significant and we can only wish Graham and his family the best. The Injured Jockeys Fund will be there for them every step of the way.
Let's look ahead to 2024. Do you think Frankie Dettori will ride in Europe?
MT: It seems inevitable that Frankie will return, with Royal Ascot firmly on his agenda. Until then he will be busy in the US and traveling for the big races in the Middle East. But Frankie's love affair with Royal Ascot makes it certain he will seek a ride there.
Do not know: I can't shake the feeling that he'll show up sometime before Ascot. With John Gosden keeping Inspiral in training – and given how much Frankie loves that filly – I expect he will make his services available wherever she next appears. Newbury's Lockinge Stakes in May has been mooted.
Which horse are you most looking forward to seeing at the Cheltenham festival?
MT: It will be good to see if Marine Nationale, last season's impressive Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner, can return for the Arkle Novices' Chase. He will make his pursuit debut at Leopardstown on Wednesday.
Do not know: I can only choose one? Marcus' choice is a corker, with trainer Barry Connell refusing to believe anything can beat Marine Nationale and already talking about preparing the gelding for the 2025 Queen Mother Champion Chase. I'll stay away from the obvious and go for Burdett Road, which is favorite for the JCB Triumph Hurdle.
Marine Nationale (centre, yellow star cap) could soon dazzle in the Arkle Novices' Chase
The gelding was winner at Royal Ascot last summer and has a lot of class. Harry Cobden says he is the best youth hurdler he has ever ridden. He is very exciting for trainer James Owen, running in the striking yellow and black colors of the Gredley family.
Give Mail Sport readers a horse to follow for 2024
MT: He was beaten on soft ground at Doncaster's St Leger meeting, but when he encountered faster ground Rosallion showed why trainer Richard Hannon thinks so much of the son of Blue Point.
His trump card is his spin, which he used to good effect when winning the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at Longchamp on Arc Day, beating subsequent Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf winner Unquestionable. The 2,000 Guineas and St James's Palace Stakes will be on his agenda.
Do not know: Aidan O'Brien is spoiled for choice when it comes to two-year-olds, which explains why Henry Longfellow has flown a little under the radar. He is unbeaten in three races and will compete in the French 2,000 Guineas, and possibly then the Irish 2,000 Guineas.
He is said to be the best-bred horse in training – his sire is super sire Dubawi, his dam is multiple Group 1 winner Minding – and jockey Ryan Moore always has a twinkle in his eye when he talks about him.
You will hear a lot about him in the future.
Finally, perhaps the easiest question of all: give us certainty for next year
MT: There is no such thing as certainty in racing! But I do believe Sean Bowen will be crowned champion jump jockey, despite some pundits discussing the chances of nearest rival Harry Cobden, who has the backing of champion trainer Paul Nicholls.
History tells us that recent titles have been won by collecting winners in the summer. Sir Anthony McCoy pretty much wrapped up some of his titles in October! Bowen has a significant lead and the buffer he has built will experience some erosion.
King tips Stay Away Fay as a shoe-in to win the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase next year
Do not know: I would like to differ from my respected colleague and tell you that there are not just one but two certainties for 2024!
You'll have to wait until March 13 for the first one, but Stay Away Fay wins the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase at Cheltenham. Traditionalists will know that race as the Sun Alliance.
If that's not enough, I also say this with a degree of confidence. The Juddmonte International in York will be held on August 21. John Gosden immediately identified that race for Inspiral after she won the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf in November.
You've been told!
