Seddon (left) fends off all his pursuers © Photo Healy Racing
Seddon (13/2) completed a wonderful season when landing the Fitzwilliam Sports Handicap Hurdle under Ben Harvey.
The rejuvenated 10-year-old was completing a mixed four-timer after winning over hurdles at Cheltenham in October, over fences at Leopardstown's Christmas meeting and, of course, a memorable success over the larger obstacles in the Festival Plate back at Cheltenham's festival meeting in March. And all of that after being beaten at Cartmel on his stable debut for John McConnell in August.
Regular rider Harvey got things his own way up front and, although plenty were in the winner's slipstream on turning into the straight, the Stowaway gelding had plenty left in the tank as he stayed on well to beat The Very Man by two and a quarter lengths. Mighty Tom and Horantzau D'airy completed the placings.
“One of the girls in the (Galaxy Racing) syndicate said to me 'it's unbelievable' and I said 'it is unbelievable',” said McConnell.
“He is such an easy horse for me to do anything with. It made sense to come for the hurdle, even though it was strong, with his mark.
“Ben gave him a beautiful ride and as I said at Cheltenham he just loves galloping.
“People give out about horse racing and say it's cruel and all that rubbish. He should be the poster boy for racing because he loves doing it and on top of that he's very good.
“He's been a horse of a lifetime for these boys and for me. I don't want it to end but it has to end sometimes.
“I've been banging on about the American Grand National since Leopardstown. He's 148 over fences now, two-mile-five on good ground so why not.
“It would be some trip and he's paid for it anyway. We thought he might win a race and get to Cheltenham in October for the guys but to have done what he's done is crazy.
“What do you do to top Cheltenham now? He's probably not good enough to win graded races in this country.”
On Grade 1 Mares' Champion Hurdle runner-up Anna Bunina McConnell added:
“I wish she was a human so I could marry her right now!
“She's just an amazing filly. The step up in trip probably suited her, she's probably a two-and-a-half mile filly now.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
