And Another Thing

August 2008

A novel way to get a well handicapped race horse

SO IT IS OFFICIAL! After two episodes at the starting stalls, Bentong is to be issued with a warning by the authorities. He refused to race in the Stewards’ Cup at Goodwood and then repeated the formula at Ascot in the Shergar Cup – much to the chagrin of his inactive pilot, Jamie Spencer.

I cannot help but speculate what form this warning will take. Bentong is by Anaaba and trained by Paul Cole. Note it is not Mr Cole that is to be warned but the horse itself. So will a deputation from Portman Square arrive at Mr Cole’s stables and demand to see Bentong in his box? Whilst Bentong hangs his unconcerned head over his stable door, possibly contemplating other and more cunning ways of relinquishing his obligation to race, will the officials give the horse a stern talking to and then confiscate his supply of carrots?

The last time Bentong consented to race, he finished third to Damika on the 5th July from a mark of 102. Almost a month later, he presumably scanned the opposition at Goodwood, went into the stalls and decided it would be best not to exit. Strangely, after his appearance at Goodwood, the handicapper dropped him 2lbs – presumably for turning up. This seems particularly odd considering Damika has been raised 7lbs since beating Bentong by three lengths in July. Is it possible that Bentong is smarter than the BHA is giving him credit for? After all, he has achieved a ratings drop of 2lbs without any exertion on his part with the exception of hacking to the start twice. Perhaps he has hit on a way of getting himself well-handicapped without going through the process of racing.

Maybe the authorities should consider picking his brains. Maybe there could be a position for him at the BHA. Personally, I can think of one!