Monty’s Award Blog – April 2023

Here we are in April and it was getting dangerously close to me having to take part in a race, but just when I heard people using offensive language like “he is more or less fit enough” then we had a few days rain and that should keep me snug and warm at home for a little while yet. It cannot go on for ever, but we must make the most of what we are offered.  The arrival of the precipitation was surely connected to the fact that I had been praying for it every evening. I am not sure what is real and what is myth in terms of theology, but I find that if you mumble as you say the name of who you are praying to, the real one(s) will give you the benefit of the doubt.
Under no circumstances would it be justified to risk that approach with the carrot bringers. They are usually taking plenty of notice of me, and even then things go wrong, there is some positive to be had. Only last week I was offered mints (should be a last resort) and apples (fine as the dessert course, but only once all the carrots are gone). Fortunately I have taught the whippersnapper to my north-east what the word “moderation” means and acquiring treats has become less competitive. Less desirably, the yard does seem to have developed a tendency to acquire flashy youngsters like Youm Dejraan and Idaho Des Brosses, and one of the few things that myself and Finnegan’s Garden have to tell them is that when horses are involved, age before beauty is a cliche that still applies in real life.
This policy was made clear to Gold Clermont when she arrived and it has not done her too much harm, has it? On that subject, if it does keep raining and I stay indoors, I am not going to break the tie with her for most wins this season. The rule that I have decided will apply is a positional countback, where my second place still gives me the title. There is a risk there, because if Brown Bullet lands another race this season, we will be tied for wins, seconds and thirds. In that case, my fourth place at Fontwell in August would seal the championship. At the time I was quite angry with Niall for making me try a bit at the end of a race which I was not winning, but now I can agree that it was an inspired decision. Of course, if it was not for my arch nemesis, who I refuse to name, all this clarification would not be necessary.
{It is Loup De Maulde that he refers to – Ed.}
Whose side are you on? I was going to write to Andy to complain that we do not need only good looking new young horses, but it seems I may have to have words about the ghost writer too… If it turns out that the top horse trophy is smaller than the Stanley Cup, he can expect the letter to get a little bit longer still.
This month’s question is from Mrs G Johnson, of East Grinstead (it takes a long time for post from elsewhere to get into this corner of Sussex). There was some preamble about not fobbing her off with non-answers like I do with the other people. Whatever. The question reads: “If you insist on mentoring the younger horses, even the ones that do not want it, is it at all possible that you only mentor them on helpful things? Not all of them can go through their careers on less than 100% effort.” Well, it is possible, but is it likely? I am more concerned about the idea that some of them do not want the benefit of my advice. Should I actually see any such horse, I will bear it in mind.