Cheltenham Memories - Barizan

It's two weeks to the day until the 2014 Cheltenham Festival and upon that I thought id provide towards the excitement by sharing some personal favourite memories.

The Triumph Hurdle of 2010 may not go down as a vintage race on the quality side of things, but as terms of viewing you wont find a better race. Carlito Brigante was sent off the 7/2 favourite with Alaivan and Soldatino in behind him in the market, but it was Barizan who wont the hearts of the Cheltenham crowd.

Off the back of a 125 day absence and from a yard not overly associated with top class 4 year olds, Barizan was sent off a 14/1 chance. Not many people could fathom what was going to happen next as Barizan and Tom O'Brien jumped off into a 2 length advantage at the drop of the flag. Turning back towards the stands at the top of the hill the duo were 15 lengths clear with everything else off the bridle, make that 25 lengths clear at two from home. What happened next? Watch and find out...

As you can see little Barizan had his heart broken by Barry Geraghty and Soldatino in the dying strides up the Cheltenham hill.

He may not have been overly fancied that day but at three hurdles out he had almost everyone in the stands on his side and willing him home. Tiredness eventually caught him up after untidy jumps at the final two flights of hurdles and only one of the 16 rivals could get anywhere near him.

He may not have won that day but he remains one of the few horses at Cheltenham to get a louder reception in the winners enclosure than the actual winner himself. For that, Barizan will always be remembered in my Cheltenham history and many others as well.

After Cheltenham, Barizan took to Aintree partnered by AP McCoy when he again found one too good in the shape of Orsippus. Many trainers would call it a day on their horse's season and most animals would have cried enough by now, but Barizan bravely marched on to Punchestown.

In Ireland he finally got his day in the sun when making all once again and reversing form with Orsippus who could do no better than fourth. To this day that victory is the only Grade 1 victory to the name of Barizan but last season he was seen fending off Mr Mole in the Swinton Hurdle.

Barizan as he got caught up the hill