This was magnificent – England’s first one-day century in 16 matches – but it wasn’t pinch-hitting
Posted in General on 20. Jul, 2010
This was magnificent – England’s first one-day century in 16 matches – but it wasn’t pinch-hitting. Despite being swallowed up by Granada, Forte will fulfil the final year of its three-year backing of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, and the association may yet continue beyond 1996.
As a result of Granada’s decision to retain control of Forte’s Meridien chain of hotels, the conglomerate will add the “Meridien” brand name to the race title. The deal was unveiled in London yesterday by Louis Romanet, French racing’s most influential administrator, who also had welcome news for British punters who have struggled with the workings of his country’s pari-mutuel system.It now seems certain that the rule by which horses in the same ownership are “coupled” – if you back one, you back both – in the French betting will be abandoned in time for this year’s Arc, on 6 October.Since Sheikh Mohammed, for instance, seems sure to have at least two runners, this is a welcome acknowledgement of the intelligence of Europe’s punters, who can back both if they wish but do not need the French administrators to do it for them.n. He lives in hope that he will get up at least one Saturday jackpot in 10 days’ time.. While several of Britain’s most important races still search for a sponsor, the showpiece of the French season has hung on to a supporter it expected to lose, writes Greg Wood. “When I say 1-2-3 go just hit it,” he says, as if addressing some dolt.As the rain splatters around, the trainer returns to a common theme. Like plenty of people these days, Kelleway talks a lot about the lottery.
About people having a horse with him after they have won it, about the time 12 months ago when he was one number off winning pounds 3m. Kelleway has been so impressed by my driving that he allows me to pull the lever on the starting stalls where he is to test four two-year-olds. Dexter is big, even by Rottweiler standards, as a medical condition means he is on steroids. He looks as though he’s had most of the injections while in the car and might struggle to disembark. Eventually he manages it, swinging his moose head lazily from side to side in celebration.By now I know I’m in. Kelleway, in the space of a five-minute journey, makes his chauffeur flash the headlights, honk the horn and take devious routes. It’s lashing down outside, bouncing off the bonnet, but, for some reason, the trainer has to have his window down.Gillian is already at the gallops in the family 280E Mercedes (a white and orange number, the orange bits a product of old age) which has a huge, menacing shape on the back seat.
This is Dexter, the sort of animal that cleans up burglary rates. Kelleway sees a babychair in the car and immediately sees his questioner as almost human and not the scaled hack stereotype who would attempt the unspeakable just to get a quote (I must remember to return that seat to the shops).On the way to the gallops it is difficult to tell who is in control. Mrs Kelleway, a point-to-point rider of note herself, does the feeding and insists that horses liked to be talked to. There are few better qualified for the job.After the questions become silly (what is your star sign?) your correspondent is invited to the gallops and is asked for a lift Then comes an interview- changing moment. As a jumps jockey Kelleway rode about 400 winners, including the Gold Cup and two Champion Hurdles on Bula.Beverages were served by Gillian, who is described by a strange blend of sexism and meritocracy in Kelleway’s promotional blurb as “his attractive and vivacious wife, very much a power behind the throne”. Pride of place, above the fireplace, belongs to What a Myth, the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, with P Kelleway in the saddle. The footage, it has to be said, is quite arresting, and Kelleway still seems to be startled as he watches his horse’s performance from the edge of his florally decorated armchair.Around the lounge are oil portraits of Kelleway’s good horses, the likes of Swiss Maid, Green Girl and African Song.