On sofa wearing an eyepatch - how racing manager witnessed Punjabi
Building excitement every day until the festival
Eyewitness Tale
Tony Stafford, racing manager to owner Raymond Tooth
Raymond Tooth's grey and pink colours have been carried to victory in many major races, and in 2009 the Nicky Henderson-trained Punjabi – third the year before – outran his 22-1 SP to beat the biggest Champion Hurdle field in almost 20 years and give his owner his first winner at the festival.
A racing manager's place is normally at the owner's side, but on the first day of the festival in 2009 I was a long way from Cheltenham. Apart from his debut over hurdles I'd never missed seeing Punjabi race, but there was a danger I wouldn't be seeing anything at that festival.
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Published on inCheltenham Festival
Last updated
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