Logician Still on Track Despite Setback

The Tony Noonan trained gelding arrived at Ian and Andrew Balding’s Kingsclere stables via America, where a scheduled appearance in the Breeder’s Cup Chase was abandoned due to the track conditions.

"We went over there and ran into some very hard tracks - something that he just can’t handle", Noonan explained, adding , "it was disappointing not to get a run in over there, but England was always the plan. We had to go via the States anyway, so it wasn’t as if it was a special trip for that race".

Noonan went on to report, "the horse has done really well since arriving in the U.K., but he had a setback in the latter part of last week, however, he’s made a full recovery and is back on track now. We thought, rather than rush him into that race on the weekend, we’d probably look at taking him to Sandown (U.K.) on February 3rd. There’s some nice races ahead of him yet".

The minor delay won’t hamper plans for Logician to compete in one of the world’s most prestigious cross-country events on March 15th. at picturesque Prestbury Park, the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup, a race which Noonan and the horse’s connections earmarked following his victory in the time honoured A.V.Hiskens Steeplechase at Moonee Valley last July, when having only his third start over the big fences.

But Logician’s inexperience was never going to deter his trainer, who has answered the critics before, from sending him to engage in battle amongst the cream of the European crop.

"Some people said I’m bloody mad to take on the best jumpers in the Northern Hemisphere with him, but then again they said I was bloody mad for taking on training horses when I started out too!" commented the former Assumption College teacher - an institution which has become renowned for producing star AFL players rather than horse trainers.

But Noonan, who has now been training for about 10 years, has every confidence in Logician’s European feats vindicating the decision of connections to send their star northward to prove himself on the international stage.

"He’s a brilliant jumper... ", said Noonan in an admiringly sincere tone, " ... and I’m sure he’ll perform well", he added.

It would be the pinnacle of Logician’s injury plagued career if he was able to take out the monumental chase, an event which tests to the absolute nth. degree, the dexterity, courage and ability of both horse and rider.

Logician is one of 38 entries for the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup, an event which had it’s origins as a 3 mile (approx. 4800 m) flat race way back in 1819, before evolving to it’s current form in 1924, when horses competed for a mere 700 pounds.

That’s a far cry from the 290,000 pounds that will be distributed following the successful completion of the 3 miles, 2.5 furlongs (approx.5300m) course, which comprises some of the most challenging obstacles that Logician is ever likely to face, making it the richest non-handicap chase in Britain.

But the enormity of the fences won’t faze his charge declared Noonan, saying, "The bigger the jump, the better he’ll go! He’s a bold going horse and he’ll put a lot of pressure on his rivals with his jumping ability. He’s also the fresh horse on the scene. Whereas most of the European entrants will be nearing the end of their preparations, he’s just starting to rev up ! ".

Logician has been schooling in tremendous style at the magnificent surrounds of his caretaker trainers property and in doing so, has attracted huge interest from the local media wanting to know all about this horse from "down under".

And whilst the ultimate goal for the ever patient owners has always been the Gold Cup, there may be one more port of call before their horse touches terra firma on his homeland again - Japan, and the Nakayama Grand Jump.

The victorious nominee to represent Australia will be announced this week and Logician is considered by many to be among the shortlisted candidates under consideration by the Japan Racing Association.

An appointment there would tie in perfectly following the Cup at Cheltenham. "From where he is now, it makes the trip to Japan easier, although he’ll still have to do the 7 days quarantine once he gets there", stated Noonan.

But first things first - and if Logician faces up to the starter on March 15th, would we expect to see Tony Noonan somewhere amidst the enormous National Hunt Festival crowd ? Of course !!

"I’m not sure if he’s guaranteed a start, but if he does get a run I’ll be there. You don’t get to have too many runners in England, especially in a race like that ! " he commented excitedly.

So I speak on behalf of all jumps racing fans in wishing Logician and his connections " all the best of British luck " and may the headlines of this site in mid March read - " Logician - The Aussie Jumping Magician ".

And for all the sceptics out there who don’t believe he’s up to the task....................that’s right.................

GO JUMP !!!!!!!!!!!!

Don Cooper