Another act of defiance needed as Al Boum again looks to silence the critics
For those who saw Al Boum Photo's Cheltenham Gold Cup defeat as the exposing of an imposter masquerading as an equine immortal, defeat at Punchestown on Wednesday would constitute a definitive condemnation.
Curiously unloved and underappreciated, the horse who finally broke Willie Mullins's hoodoo in the sport's greatest race, and then repeated the feat, has not yet benefited from the passage of time to gild his lily.
At this point, Al Boum Photo is still being measured and critiqued, often damned with faint praise for what he isn't rather than what he is. With the benefit of perspective and a dollop of nostalgia, his legacy will doubtless be looked upon more favourably. Right now, though, it feels like he still has to prove himself. All over again.
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Published on inPreviews
Last updated
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- 1.55 Warwick: can Cheltenham Festival winner You Wear It Well go one better than her chasing debut to land Listed feature?
- Tara Lee Cogan saddles first runners since taking over from Shark Hanlon plus a Newcastle raid worth noting - punting pointers for Thursday's racing
- Dylan Johnston has first ride for Paul Nicholls and a trainer bids to end 754-day wait for a winner - Wednesday's punting pointers
- 7.40 Kempton: could Duke Of Oxford be peaking at the right time to repeat last season's victory in series final?
- 12.20 Punchestown: 'He looks tailor-made for the staying division over fences' - three-time Grade 1 winner Dancing City makes chasing debut