Persian Punch (Ire)

Persian Heights - Rum Cay (USA)

Foaled 13/04/1993 Died 28/04/2004

Chestnut Gelding

Runs: 63 Wins: 20 Places: 19 Earned: £1,008,785

Form: 113133 - 711125223 - 13161 - 475401 -281651321

- 432114 - 2436931201 - 44211411 - P

Notable Race Wins

Jockey Club Cup Gr3 2m (2000, 2002, 2003)

Doncaster Cup Gr 2 2m 2f (2003)

Goodwood Cup Gr 2 2m (2001, 2003)

Henry II Stakes Gr 3 2m (1997, 1998, 2000)

Lonsdale Stakes Gr 3 2m (1998, 2001)

Prix Kegorley Gr 2 1m 7f (2000)

Author's Note: This has to be one of the most difficult blogs I will write. The other is One Man which will follow at a later date.

Proud To Be There Old Friend

Champions Day - Newmarket 18 October 2003

This race defines who Punch was; a front running battler that never gave up no matter how desperate the situation looked. Strides from the line the old warrior looked booked for fourth place but somehow he clawed his way into a photo finish with the equally battle hardened Millenary (blog to follow in the future, courtesy of me). After an agonising wait for what seemed like forever the judge finally announced the winner. Number 2 - Punch. I can only remember one other horse that recieved a cheer so loud - Istabraq winning his third Champion Hurdle (blog also to follow) but then the Irish are a notoriously loud bunch. I don't think I have leapt about so much in my entire (short) life and although I don't remember exactly Im sure there'll have been tears of sheer joy. (below Punch edging out Millenary to win the Jockey Club Cup 2003)

Facile Victory

Doncaster 11 September 2003

You can be forgiven if you think every race Punch contested ended in a sheer guts & determination slog to the line. However one of my other favourite races of his was the 2003 Doncaster cup. Leading from start to finish Punch was never challenged by his five rivals, simply galloping them into the ground with his long, unwavering stride to take victory by 7 lengths. This was his fourth attempt at winning this race having finished 2nd in 1997, 3rd in 2000 and 2nd in 2002.

Co-ed Jen:- That was a great day. I couldn't believe what I was seeing.

A Black Day For Racing

Ascot 28 April 2004

Punch began his 2004 campaign as an 11yo in the Sagaro Stakes, a Gr3 he'd contested twice before in 2000 & 2002 finishing 2nd on both occasions. All went well for him at the head of affairs until 100 yards from home where his jockey Martin Dwyer pulled him suddenly, just as the big horse collapsed to the horror of the packed grandstands and many more viewers watching the TV coverage of the race meeting.

Despite the best efforts of the racecourse vets there was nothing they could do and so Punch slipped away from this mortal earth, having delighted so many people over the years with his gutsy front running style. The cause of his death was a heart attack.

Having owned and lost horses myself I can go some way to understanding how Punch's connections must have felt - utterly distraught. I remember crying my heart out that day once the shock of Punch's death had hit me. (below Punch's noble gaze)

Immortal

On Champions Day Newmarket 15 October 2005 a life size bronze statue of Punch was unveiled, part paid for by his legions of fans. Every time we go to Newmarket we stop by Punch's statue & gaze up at him, each silently remembering the times we had the privilege to catch a glimpse of him in the flesh. (below the statue at Newmarket showing Punch relentlessly galloping to victory till the end of time)

Even in defeat the old boy gave his all never once shirking from a fight. For him to die on a racecourse doing what he did best was the most fitting end for this glorious gelding. We miss you Punch xXx

- TJ

Co-ed Jen:- Here Here.

Co-ed Jez:- Very moving babe. God bless your soul old boy.

Punch as he'll always be remembered