Hunt Ball rolls into town

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by scanman

For us who follow both codes here in the US, Hunt Ball’s dismal failure does not come as a surprise. Don’t know what Atlantic Equine paid for him, but if it was anything over $30K, he was greatly overpriced. His last UK win at Taunton was what amounted to a generous Class 3 event, whereby he didn’t really beat anything. Supposedly he got his ground here in the US, but not once did he pick up his feet. Thought maybe he didn’t like the inner turf courses, but not getting a result at a proper chasing course (Far Hills) tells me he is quite ordinary. A lateral move from Sheppard to Henderson won’t help. There was no issue with his jumping National Fences, he’s just not a very fast horse.

It would have been interesting to see at what level he would have been competitive here. Perhaps, he would have been better suited as a Timber horse. Moving back to the UK won’t change the fact that he is ordinary and I would not expect him to win a graded race there. I applaud Atlantic Equine for taking a shot at trying to bring a quality chaser/hurdler to the US. Unfortunately, Hunt Ball wasn’t that horse.

That was interesting and thanks for your take. Clearly you know what you're talking about.

Me? I just enjoy following him.

I think you're probably right in terms of being ordinary but sometimes there is beauty or greatness or whatever in the every day.

That he will go to Nicky Henderson who has trained some incredible horses is a cool next-part-of-the-journey.

I did start out thinking he had this potential to be something really special. He isn't, but I'm not disappointed.

I hope he wins again some day.