Wednesday marks the 20th anniversary of the 2004 renewal of the Tingle Creek at Sandown, a race that will live long in the memory of many racing fans. It has been labelled as the race of the century and frankly it’s difficult to argue against that moniker.
Tingle Creek Memories: The Race of the Century (2004)
Here we take a retrospective look at the big race and consider if we’ve even come close to a race like this after two decades have passed. It’s rather insane to think that the horse who made the running, Cenkos, won the race back in 2002 and was essentially used as a pacemaker. That is the level of competition we’re dealing with here and it truly was a race for the ages.
Tingle Creek: Main contenders
Paul Nicholls’ Azertyuiop was the beneficiary of Moscow Flyer’s infamous jumping frailties when pulling clear of Flagship Uberalles to win the Queen Mother Champion Chase by nine lengths seven months earlier and was therefore the reigning champion over two miles. Jessica Harrington’s enigmatic chaser Moscow Flyer seemed to always win or unseat, but was one of the best horses of the 21st century when he managed to get round. He won the 2003 Champion Chase and regained his crown in 2005.
Martin Pipe’s runner Well Chief is probably one of the best two-mile chasers to never win a Champion Chase and he came into this race off the back of victory in the Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival. The past, present and future were all there and it would be negligent to not mention Cenkos who went on to finish fourth in this race, having won it two years prior. Upgrade, who finished fifth, was a fair handicapper for Martin Pipe as well.
Tingle Creek: How The Race Unfolded
The Richard Johnson-ridden Cenkos set off at a strong gallop and Moscow Flyer followed closely behind under Barry Geraghty. Azertyuiop tracked the leading pair in third or fourth and Well Chief was stalking him in the early stages of the race. It was a fast and furious race race really heated up as the three stars took control of the race approaching the pond fence. Moscow Flyer then had Ruby Walsh and Timmy Murphy at it as they turned for home, but the chasing pair stuck to their tasks well.
Harrington’s star chaser came out on top by a length-and-a-half, with Geraghty up and celebrating in the saddle when crossing the line. Only a short head separated Azertyuiop and Well Chief, but it’s fair to say they lost nothing in defeat. They say it takes two horses to make a great race and this one had three!
Tingle Creek: Repeat Efforts?
It’s noted that it’s very difficult to replicate a race of that quality, but it’s almost unfathomable to think that we could get close these days. To have such a star-studded field in a race outside of the Cheltenham Festival is a bit of a pipe dream, but there’s always hope that it’ll happen one day.
This year’s Tingle Creek is set to be a comparatively turgid affair, with Jonbon facing vastly inferior opposition. If Nicky Henderson’s chaser is Moscow Flyer, his potential rivals would be Cenkos at best and comparisons to Upgrade seem more appropriate. Rather fittingly, Gordon Elliott has entered Down Memory Lane in the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase on the undercard and the 2004 Tingle Creek will continue to live long in the memory.
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