THE strength and love of the man is just something else. A lesson to us all of how to be honourable and decent.
I’m talking, of course, about John Hunt, whose name shines like a beacon of dignity in the title of Saturday’s ITV feature Cheltenham handicap, the Support The Hunt Family Fund December Gold Cup.
Sign up for the newsletter
Thank you!
The big race at Cheltenham on Saturday will be run in honour of the Hunt familyCredit: BBC NEWS
On Thursday night a fundraiser at Cheltenham collected thousands of pounds as ‘Hunty’ and his daughter Amy raised money for causes related to young women.
You can still donate to it HERE.
Their family was ripped apart when in July 2024 when John’s wife Carol and his other two girls Hannah and Louise were murdered in their home in Bushey.
John Hunt will commentate on the big race today while broadcasting on Radio 5 Live.
It’s a call that will resonate with many of us forever. Not many could do it.
But ‘Hunty’ is not a man who was ever going to let a coward get the better of him or his remaining family. You can only have total respect.
If you back the winner of the December Gold Cup, then maybe chuck a couple of quid at the fund by clicking here.
Who that victor might be is not easy to decide.
Most read in Horse Racing
Much of the talk will be over Jagwar, who missed the Paddy Power Gold Cup, often a guide to this prize, and is now on seasonal debut for the talented team of Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero.
Jagwar has landed four out of his last five races and was last seen powering up the famous Cheltenham hill in the TrustATrader Plate at the Festival in March.
I want to take him on as I’m not sure that was the strongest race of all time.
But it might be a big mistake.
JP McManus tends to know the time of day!
Looking back at the Paddy Power, and the second Vincenzo and third Hoe Joly Smoke take each other on again.
Also back for more is Il Ridoto, who was eighth that day and will appreciate any ground that is faster than it was then, officially on the soft side.
At the time of writing it’s due to be similar.
You may remember I was keen on Hoe Joly Smoke that day, so it’s probably a mistake to stick up VINCENZO this time.
But there you go. Different day.
Vincenzo might not be the strongest stayer in this field but I suspect he’s going to be bang in the mix.
The Sam Thomas-trained gelding is now 5lb worse off with Hoe Joly Smoke because jockey Dylan Johnston can’t claim 3lb.
That all said, he travelled better than his old rival turning for home and I suspect might have a bit more class.
The improving seven-year-old was also making seasonal debut, while the Dan Skelton challenger had a run.
So all in all I’m hopeful of a form confirmation.
One other horse I can’t wait to see at Cheltenham goes in the Grade 2 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle over three miles.
Some promising types in here who have banged in many races already, but one who hasn’t is RECKLESS SPENDING, who runs in the colours of the very talented Lucky Place.
Reckless Spending has been gagging for a step up in distance and gets it here for Nicky Henderson and Nico de Boinville.
The stable is in great form, and this gelding stayed on well in third behind Kripticjim at Ascot last time.
That was over nearly 2m4f and this trip looks perfect.
By the way, if you are up early on Saturday then tune into the action at Hong Kong, where there are some tremendous horses in action.
If nothing else catch the races on social media later in the day.
The world’s best sprinter, Ka Ying Rising, is out again in the Group 1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint at 6.50am UK time, while check out Docklands and The Lion in Winter in the Longines Hong Kong Mile at 8.00am.
Also strutting his hooves is the worldy Romantic Warrior who should take all the beating in the Group 1 Longines Hong Kong Cup at 8.40am.
And Los Angeles, Goliath and Arc third Sosie are in the Longines Hong Kong Vase at 6.10am which also features defending champion Giavellotto under Oisin Murphy.
All in all a cracking weekend.
Reckless spending might not be the way forward for most of us, unless it’s donating to the John Hunt Family Fund.
Give all you can to a family who deserve every bit of goodness we can send their way.
FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chases their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
