YouTurf

Cheltenham is in the air and everyone is getting a bit excited and rightly so because there are some major clashes in store which could herald a renaissance in National Hunt racing.

To wet the Prestbury whistle, I thought I'd highlight some classic YouTube videos of heroic performances in the past.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kPtQN0eVMo&feature=related
This is Moscow Flyer's astounding Champion Chase victory in 2005. Would he fall like last year? Every time he landed safely over a fence, the crowd went wild. The Irish loved him, the English loved him. And this was a performance and a half.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7oJNMgkJlU&feature=PlayList&p=AB965AC571B2A53E&index=0&playnext=1
Mattie Batchelor won the Lester for ride of the year after this performance. Too right. It's hard enough to win at the Festival, never mind to make the running AND lose your irons at the last fence with Paul Carberry breathing down your neck.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcCuIVn6egM&feature=related
One of the most heroic moments in racing: Desert Orchid, so unlucky in previous Gold Cups, the nation's favourite horse, he looks beaten coming to the last, covered in mud, guts prevail. Goosebumps.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anBVvfn06d0&feature=related
Another grey and one of my favourites, One Man wins what wasn't the most classiest of Champion Chases but he won it and you can't do more than that.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iC9dRA15F9s&feature=related
Dawn Run. I must admit, it doesn't mean much to me but old people talk of it a lot so I thought it had better go in. Nice finish.