Golden Horn Poem by Paul Reed

Already the Derby and Eclipse winner
His reputation firmly in the forge
But sadly, because it rained at Ascot,
Withdrawn from the ‘King George’

On to York and the Juddmonte
His chance thought to be long odds-on
The sweeping Knavesmire thought to be perfect
For him to gallop upon

However the going became a worry
Discussed and analysed oft
Following the weekend deluge
It was finally declared ‘good to soft’

A pacemaker was especially entered
To ensure an end to end stretch
To rule out any false sprint finishes
His name on the trophy help to etch

But little did they all reckon
The chances ignored and unseen
Of a sweet little bay filly
By the name of ‘Arabian Queen’

Par for the course after expensive defeats
Reasons and excuses abound
From being ‘far too keen and fresh’
To ‘couldn’t act on the rain-softened ground’

Perhaps there was an even better reason
To explain this intriguing result
He was simply beaten by a better horse
The challenge too difficult

So, good luck Golden Horn
When next on a racecourse seen
You’d better keep a wary eye open
Watch out! Here comes Arabian Queen!