'I'm lucky to still be alive' - why Politologue's win means so much to his owner

First published on Tuesday, December 1

It’s not just his heart that John Hales wears on his sleeve. It’s every living fibre within his substantial frame, as was plain when he cheered home Politologue in the Champion Chase at Cheltenham in March.

At one point Hales seemed likely to collapse into the paddock rails as his horse maintained a relentless gallop. In a role reversal with his grandson Harry, who stood calmly beside him, it was Hales who gave a demonstration of youthful exuberance. He was overwhelmed.