By MIKE DILLON
Former English jumps jockey Richard Pitman couldn't believe the pace hurdlers sustained in Saturday's $50,000 TV Guide Hurdles.
"That's the mark of a good race," said Pitman as he was quick to offer his sympathy to Michelle Hopkins in being narrowly beaten in the feature aboard hot favourite Smart
Hunter.
"That they can set off at a speed like that and keep it up right to the finish is admirable," said the winner of 480 winners over the more formidable English fences before becoming a BBC comments provider.
"We can do it here because our fences are a bit lower," said Hopkins, who has had extensive experience, albeit in schooling, on the English scene.
Pitman acknowledged the English fences were tougher, but was still impressed.
"I also like the idea of having a steeplechase double in front of the grandstand. That's fantastic."
Hopkins suggested floating the idea of a stand double floated with English authorities which brought out the comedian in Pitman.
"Yes, could you imagine saying to a member of the Jockey Club in England that you saw something in New Zealand which should be introduced. The reply would be: "Oh, do you think so," he said in his best public school clipped English.
"But you always need to be looking at the way things are - these days if you stay still you're going backwards."
Hopkins loves the horse side of the English scene, but has little time for the element of the British class system which creeps in.
"You never see the owners associating with the strappers there. It's a much more family orientated scene in New Zealand.
"It's more friendly."
Hopkins rued the fact she as left three wide for a fair portion of the first lap on Saturday.
"There was nothing I could do about it. It ran me out of options. Where ever I was going I'd have been left parked out wide."
Smart Hunter may still have lasted to win if he hadn't hit the last hurdle hard with his hind legs.
