Twitter punters react to the 2017 Golden Slipper barrier draw
WE barely get a moment to breathe as racing fans, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
The Golden Slipper barrier draw dominated the headlines, but the news that Chautauqua will be competing against Winx in the George Ryder Stakes piqued the interest of many punters on social media as the grey attempts to win another group one race.
The racing news did not stop there.
The Cheltenham Festival kicked off over in England, which always brings out the best – and worst – of social media from the motherland.
There was plenty of great social media fun over the last few days, so let’s take a look at some of our favourite tweets.
Golden Slipper Barrier Draw
Punters recovering from the Victorian Labour Day and Adelaide Cup holiday had the Golden Slipper barrier draw to get them in the mood for Saturday’s group one feature.
Race favourite Houtzen drew a wide barrier, but that has not stopped the state of Queensland from getting around the talented prospect.
Another crap barrier draw. Dammit, the emotional roller coaster is a tough enough ride for Gold Coasters. Go Houtzen.
— Byron Bay Equine Vet (@ByronBayVet1) March 14, 2017
The other main elect in the market is She Will Reign, but the filly has lost a lot of admirers after losing for the first time a fortnight ago on a heavy track.
One punter though is not jumping off the two-year-old heading into the Slipper.
@DufficyRon do you seriously think She Will Reign won’t run top 4?
She only failed on a heavy 9 with horses running to the outside fence!— Sport Unlimited (@unlimited_sport) March 14, 2017
It looms as a huge day of racing, and one fan pointed that out in succinct fashion.
Australia’s 4 highest rated horses will run within 60 mins of each other on Saturday. Winx, Black Heart Bart, Hartnell, Chautauqua. #spoilt
— Tim Walker (@timw1995) March 15, 2017
We cannot wait.
Chautauqua and Winx set to duke it out in the George Ryder Stakes
The other big news for Golden Slipper day was the confirmation Chautauqua will step up in journey to face Winx in the George Ryder Stakes.
One Twitter user had his priorities straight ahead of the race.
I’m hoping there will be an emoji for the #goldenslipper @TwitterSportsAU
— Joe (@And_awaytheyJoe) March 14, 2017
There is a sense of expectation as the two look to lock horns for the first time on a competitive racing track.
Who’d have ever thought we’d see Winx v Chautauqua #cantwait
— smitch (@smitcherson) March 15, 2017
Expectations should be tempered though, as one Twitter user pointed out.
Winx v Chautauqua will be a sight to behold but wish it was back when the grey one was at his best.
— Nick Cooper (@coop3228) March 14, 2017
Cheltenham Festival kicks off overnight in the UK
One of the world’s most famous racing festivals kicked off last night in England as the Cheltenham National Hunt meeting began on Tuesday Australian time.
For those unfamiliar with what it is all about, this tweet sums up the frivolity and the enormity of the Cheltenham Festival.
– 250,000 Racegoers
– 220,000 Pints of Guinness set to be sunk
– £150m To be gambled pic.twitter.com/1KZ8fyWrrS
— The Sportsman (@TheSportsman) March 14, 2017
Punters were battered early after a $34 outsider took out the opening race on the card, but one Twitter user had the foresight to jump on Labaik to make an enormous return.
Here it is lads. 2k from a £2 bet. Jack Kennedy you are a god. Labaik you are my hero. #CheltenhamFestival pic.twitter.com/jlfJM3xQNb
— Jake Johns (@JakeJohns) March 14, 2017
It did not take punters long to bounce back however.
Superstar jumper Altior made it ten wins in a row in the second race of the day, returning a paltry $1.25 at Crownbet.com.au, but one pommy punter put a ton of cash on the nose.
One enthusiast believed the pressure was on to perform for him, rather than the heavily invested punter.
Spare a thought for the punter with 400k on Altior. Little does he know Blogger’s backed it as well.
— ㅤ (@Sam__Preen) March 14, 2017
Good thing for all parties the gun jumper did it in a canter.