The Cheltenham roar

(Apologies but it's Cheltenham only this week - children have Christmas, I have Cheltenham - besides I'm trying to convert Karin).

There's four sorts of roar really. The famous one is the crowd's cheer as the horses come into line for the start of the Supreme Novices at 1:30 this afternoon. It's an almighty exhalation of all the anticipation (which as we know starts in October the year before) and a sort of collective braveheart roar as we charge into the four day battle with blood up and hopes high.

The second type of roar will probably come shortly afterwards. It happens as the horses reach the top of the hill fully three quarters of a mile away from the finish and barely visible with the naked eye. If the commentator mentions that a well-fancied horse is creeping into contention, travelling strongly, those who have backed it get over-excited and effectively prematurely ejaculate, which is particulalry funny when their horse then flatters to deceive. Today, it will happen if Dunguib (who carries the winter hopes of the whole of Ireland) is cantering all over his field.

The third type of roar will probably happen soon after - if Dunguib flies up the hill to victory. He'll immediately join the lists of Irish greats - the Arkles, Dawn Runs, Danolis and Istabraqs of the world, and the Irish will immediately start dreaming of next years Cheltenham when he'll come back and win the Champion Hurdle.

The best type though is when three or four fancies runners hit the last fence together and the whole crowd think they've backed the winner. That's bedlam in a way football crowds can't do. I'm thinking the Champion Hurdle today could give us one of those.

Enjoy.

Somersby carries most my hopes today.


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