Racing: Action Replay-Arkle proves a real champion

In the spring of 1964, Arkle, the greatest steeplechaser of all time, won the first of three Cheltenham Gold Cups. Dick Francis, later to become a hugely successful author, was there to report the event for the `Sunday Express'.

IN ONE of the greatest Gold Cup races seen at Cheltenham for years, Arkle, from Ireland, beat Mill House, the English star, fairly and squarely by five lengths in record time yesterday. It left no doubt in anyone's mind as to which is the champion.

Never, even in the days of the great Golden Miller-Thomond II duel 29 years ago, has Cheltenham heard such cheering as Arkle forced his way to the front approaching the second last fence.

The cheering increased as Arkle passed the post on his own - and it continued until long after the horses had been unsaddled and had left the enclosure. Yes, it was a great day for the Irish.

The Walwyn stable as a whole seems to have struck an unaccountable bad patch, but this in no way detracts from the sizzling performance Pat Taaffe coaxed from the Irish challenger.

Up until the second-last fence the race was run just as I expected, with Mill House leading the other three horses at an even, fast gallop.

At the third open ditch - right in front of the stands - which Walwyn's fine 'chaser did not meet in his stride, there was little more than six lengths between all four runners.

But on going down the hill soon afterwards, Willie Robinson shot his mount forward, and after two more jumps Mill House and Arkle started to draw away from Pas Seul and King's Nephew who were soon many lengths behind.

At the top of the far hill - just over half a mile from home - we all expected Mill House to increase his short lead over Arkle.

But Taaffe had other ideas. Delaying his challenge until after jumping the second last fence, when it was soon evident what the result would be provided nothing untoward happened at the final one, he gradually drew away.

He raced home to an uproarious welcome in the new time of 6 minutes 45 3/5 seconds - four seconds better than the previous record set by Saffron Tarton three years ago.

Anne, duchess of Westminster, the owner, and trainer Tom Dreaper, were overjoyed, but Dreaper in his dry manner said: "I always thought he would win by five lengths and that is what he did."

He added that his great seven-year-old would next run in the Irish Grand National on Easter Monday.

Giving his impression of the race, Pat Taaffe said: "Arkle is the best horse I have ever ridden and I was never anxious at any stage.

"I knew we had won it three fences out, when I was still behind."