By Dave Johnson
Originally these “Tips of the Top Hat” after the five-day Royal Meeting at Ascot were entitled Down the Stretch Awards, but since the Ascot home stretch is uphill, I have renamed these presentations as the Up the Stretch Awards, also known as the “Stretchies.”
BEST RACE CALL: On Thursday in the G2 Ribblesdale S., The Sky is Blazing jumped out to a quick six-length lead, then increased the margin to more than 10, isolated from the field. At that point, Simon Holt announced, “I think jockey Silvestre de Sousa is out to catch a bus!” Needless to say, the horse faded to nowhere, and the jock missed the bus. Great race call, Simon.
JOHN HENRY AWARD for old timers. God bless Queen Elizabeth II, at age 91, at the races every day, greeting people in the paddock and speaking to the trainers and jockeys of the four horses she owned who were racing this week. Even on Wednesday, when she needed to open Parliament with a speech, she helicoptered back to the track by 2:00 p.m. to arrive in a different colored outfit, completely screwing up the bookies on the daily wagering on the color of her hat.
BEST QUOTE OF THE WEEK uttered by Dennis Skinner to other Members of Parliament urging his colleagues to get a move on prior to the Queen's speech: “Get your skates on! The first race is half past two.”
SEE YOU NEXT YEAR AWARD to the great jockey Frankie Dettori, who had to miss the week because of lingering injuries from a spill the week before at Yarmouth.
BEST PERFORMANCE BY A HUMAN to trainer Wesley Ward. Yes, Aidan O'Brien won the trainer award with 6 victories from a barn full of stars, but Wesley had as many winners as John Gosden, Charlie Appleby and Mark Johnston. You are a great ambassador for U.S. racing, and one hell of a trainer. Thanks, Wesley.
ROOKIE AWARD to 21-year-old Apprentice Kieran Shoemark, winner of the King George V S. with Atty Persse (Ire) (Frankel {GB}). An excellent prospect for future riding stardom. Saves ground, strong finisher, smart.
BEST LUNCH OF THE WEEK: In the Press Box, a delicious carrot and broccoli combination quiche. 2 to 5.
BEST PERFORMANCE BY A HORSE: Caravaggio (Scat Daddy) in the G1 Commonwealth Cup. Undefeated in seven starts, and simply a monster from Coolmore/O'Brien/Moore juggernaut.
DAD OF THE WEEK following Father's Day: Scat Daddy. Unfortunately no longer with us, but the 2017 Ascot meet will be remembered for his many offspring, including Lady Aurelia and Caravaggio.
THE PRESSURE COMEBACK AWARD to Lady Aurelia, winner here at age two, returned this year as the only 3-year-old in the G1 King's Stand S. to defeat the best older male sprinters in a devastating tour de force.
Congratulations to the 2017 winners.
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