Don't dismiss purple patch for British-bred jumpers as a fluke

Over the last three seasons British jumps-bred horses have enjoyed considerable success in the most prestigious Jumps events.

A top ten of big winners might comprise Coneygree (Cheltenham Gold Cup, Kauto Star Novices Chase); Sizing John (Cheltenham Gold Cup, Irish Gold Cup); Cue Card (King George VI Chase, Lancashire Chase twice, Aintree Bowl); Thistlecrack (King George VI Chase, World Hurdle, Liverpool Stayers Hurdle, Long Walk Hurdle); Special Tiara (Queen Mother Champion Chase, Celebration Chase); Tea For Two (Kauto Star Novices Chase, Aintree Bowl); Blaklion (RSA Chase); Yanworth (Christmas Hurdle, Liverpool Stayers Hurdle); Unowhatimeanharry (Long Walk Hurdle, Spa Novices Hurdle) and Rule The World (Grand National).

Given the production of jumps and/or dual-purpose horses (most often future jumpers in disguise) in Britain varied between 20-30 per cent of the levels in Ireland during the years that those animals were produced, and less than half those of our other major competitor, France, these are astonishing results.