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Originally Posted by ONEDUNME
I remember the debate about French horses  I 'm totally unconvinced by the argument that they can't win because they never have or something. I can't remember the numbers but they'd had quite a few second places and if they can get a second place it means that they only need one faller to get a first place so it's only a matter of time in my view.
What's the one of JPM's that Douman trains? Is that French bred or was it shipped over from Ireland  Mmmm. Gonna get my money on that one.  |
Aye, I think we have had this debate a few times ODM, usually April each year I think.
1909 was the last French bred winner I think.
The way I look at it - the 3000m steeplechase at things like the Olympics and World Athletics championship is usually won by an African, say Kenyan, Ethopian or what ever. Now the field at the start is mixed, and there are some good white European or US athletes in the field no doubt and some of them will possibly place, but none of them ever seen to win.
The event is dominated by the Africans, or rather its not an event the white Europeans or the American athletes (both black and white) do well in. Why? Personally I think its to do with the genetic make up of the athletes. The event seems to suit the Africans better than most other athletes.
Same with the Grand National. There will be good French bred horses in the event, some will place, the odd one will even win but genetically, I don't think French horses are bred to run 4 1/2 miles over fences. I just think there is something in their make up which sees the majority of them lacking the sufficient stamina to win.
Of course the breeding effect may diminish as it seems to be a more international thing nowadays. Say take a French bred horse and it breeds with an Irish bred, your effectively making it half French/half Irish and maybe through time that would be enough to give it the sufficient breeding to win.
I am sure at some point there will be a French bred winner again, by law of averages there has to be, but until I see a significant change in their performance ie 4 or 5 winners in 6 or 7 years then I will be happy to continue to oppose them or rule them out.
One I did notice, French bred, thats in the correct weight category this year is Clan Royal. Think its due to carry 10-9 at current weights and thats the first time in a couple of years it has been back below 11st. Its probably been as close to breaking the trend as any French bred in recent years. The thing is its age is now going against it at 12.
Course the above could all be bollocks but I am happy to go with the last 98 years stats on my side at the moment!
