The Minstrel - 1977 King George

[tigerboy1966]

I much prefer the camera work on these older races. One long shot enables the viewer to get a much clearer grasp of the action. These days it's all fast cuts and close-ups and half the time the crucial action is missed.

[jnmklo9]

I don't think he got there - but he must have

[5overlord]

My God is that horse tough and game. Quite similar to Lammtarra in that respect.

[jnmklo9]

I'd like to see the photo on that Orange Bay got up on the line!!

[quick46]

The Minstrel was a good horse & very brave, but his form didn't stand up to the closest scrutiny. He struggled to beat Hot Grove & Lucky Sovereign in his two Derbys & Orange Bay wasn't exactly tip top...Alleged murdered him in a try out in the Summer of 77 & they KNEW they had an Arc horse in him. He went on to TROUNCE Hot Grove at York in the Voltigeur & would have remained unbeaten had Piggott not ridden him like a second pacemaker for Dunfermline in the 77 Leger.

[december2364]

The Minstrel was certainly game and brave, but I agree with you. Without the master on his back I seriously doubt he would have won this or the Derby. I wouldn't have him in my top ten anyway.

[quick46]

He got a bit of stick for the ride here believe it or not. Some people close to the yard thought he'd made his move too soon....and then there was the shambles he made of Alleged in the Leger that year. I think he was under a little pressure to win the Arc by the time the race came round?

[westwayhey]

Sorry have to disagree. There was a pretty strong field for this King George. Derby winners are usually judged on their own career as opposed to the quality of their runners up. As for the Chester Vase winner Hot Grove, form is dodgy, that's why there's gambling. The Minstrel's record was top class. The trend back then was for several leading three year olds to go off the boil following their high summer exertions. The Minstrel was the Ballydoyle stable star of '77.

[quick46]

Alleged was a better horse,, you'd not find many people siding with The Minstrel in a match bet mate. Exceller would probably have won that King George if he'd got half a ride off Freddie Head, despite him finding the ground too firm (same for Crystal Palace) Orange Bay running a horse to a short head did not make the winner a champion. Sorry.

[tigerarmyrule]

Agreed. Whilst The Minstrel ws not quite a Nijinski or Mill Reef he won the Epsom/Curragh/Ascot High summer treble that was then the effective mid distance 3 year old triple crown. The KG finished many fine horses.

[ComteLafon]

Yup, I doubt that Alleged would have won many Arcs if he'd been in two Guineas, two Derbys and a KG by August.... This is not to diss Alleged, but he was aimed solely at his Arcs and won them; and Lester's brilliance played a big part. I'd've loved to see Alleged at Ascot in '78; that wouldn't have been a race he'd dominate quite so easily. Great horses, both, so it would be wrong to have a pop at either.

[TIMETRAVELLER1955]

Nice post ! I hadnt ever seen this before, man he always just did enough didnt he The Minstrel

I think he was flashy but in looks rather than winning margin.. lets not forget though that the 3rd horse was Exceller who went over to America and lowered the colours of the great Triple crowner Seattle Slew on dirt too !

[marcusallcock]

there was nothing flash about the minstrel but he was all guts.

[terbine13]

absolutely marcus, one of the most game horses I've seen ever, you could see him giving it 100% here as he did in both 'Guineas even though he wasn't going to win either of them. It was for me poetic justice when he won the Derby and then this race. Lester always believed in the horse and was rewarded handsomely.

[shaffi1]

spot on terbine! i remember my dad winning a fiver on him! but tough little nut to crack wasn't he! 100% genuine and then some!