Kinkeel on track to break record (From Cotswold Journal)

Kinkeel on track to break record

1:00pm Thursday 15th November 2012 in Sport

A CROPTHORNE-trained warrior of a horse is closing in on a world record set in the USA more than 60 years ago.

Kinkeel, known as ‘the horse with the concrete legs’, is poised to tackle his 105th chase at Cheltenham on Sunday.

The 13-year-old bay gelding, owned by Harvington-based Group One Racing Club, will beat the 104 raced by Blazing Dawn in the United Kingdom during the last 40 years.

But the long-term bid is to topple Elkridge’s 119 chases which he racked up across the Atlantic before retiring in 1951.

Kinkeel may have only recorded five victories — two each at Towcester and Southwell and one at Hereford — but he also boasts 19 second places and 14 thirds while earning total prize money of £53,846.

Since falling in his only pointto- point start in Ireland in 2004, the Irish-bred son of Hubbly Bubbly has completed every race, including 21 in total in the 2008-09 season.

Racing club chairman Stephen Foster said: “Kinkeel could well break the world record this season.

We’ve no plans to retire him as he’s as good as he ever was and will tell us when he’s had enough. He always has a summer break.

“After falling at the point-topoint, Kinkeel obviously decided that was a mug’s game and selfpreservation has been his strategy after that.

“He jumps every fence without making a mistake so he doesn’t pick up any wounds. They have nicknamed him ‘the horse with the concrete legs’ down the yard. He goes on any type of ground.

“His engine isn’t quite as good considering his breeding. But he’s the only horse the club has had that has paid his way.

“He only wins around minor tracks but the place money at the larger tracks, with pay down to sixth, is very welcome.”

Cropthorne trainer Tony Carroll may also take promising youngsters Arctic Wings, Zafranagar and Shelford to Cheltenham this weekend.

He described Kinkeel as a “very sound, tough and laidback horse”, adding: “They normally pick up some knocks or ailments but not this one.”