I'm simply mentioning that so many racing fans love either one code more the other. For those who have no idea about horse racing there are two codes: Flat & National Hunt. One is about running fast with no fences, while the other is trying to run fast and jump those dreaded obstacles.
Anyway, I never used to take much notice of National Hunt racing. I had a bad memory of an ex-flat horse called Clopton. He wasn't the most gifted horse on the turf but I remembered him running at Great Yarmouth, trained by Mick Ryan. Like many ex-flat horses, Clopton went over the hurdles, in the care of Geoff Hubbard. Clopton went well on a few occasions. Not sure if he won once or just pipped at the line. However, I looked to see where he had finished. One day, I looked in the Racing Post results. I felt as if I had been kicked in the stomach.
I read that Clopton had been fatally injured.
It struck me, that I was probably one of few people saddened by Clopton's demise. There may have been many who cried a tear that day.I hope so because he deserved our compassion. That experience left its mark on me. I kind of hated the National Hunt. I'm still not keen on reading the results.
They say time is a healer. Perhaps I just got over it, but little by little I noticed I took an interest when the Cheltenham Festival came around. It is always well promoted and a friendly rivalry between the English and Irish. The likes of Willie Mullins crossing the Irish sea to cause havoc to all those who thought they had a home advantage.
The last few years I enjoyed the Cheltenham Festival. In truth, I think it is as much the buzz I enjoy as the racing. Although these things are intertwined.
As long as the horses come home safe and sound that is as good as it gets for me.
