Lisa Stephenson’s Ballycowen Colm extended his lead at the top of the open race table to three wins with his 14th victory at Sheffield on Tuesday night.
| 2017 | Razldazl Raidio | 22 |
| 2016 | Razldazl Raidio | 20 |
| 2015 | Cape Impact | 21 |
| 2014 | Adageo Bob | 17 |
| Toolatetosell | 17 | |
| 2013 | Bowtime Fella | 19 |
| 2012 | Fernhill Jess | 21 |
| 2011 | Blonde Fletch | 19 |
| 2010 | Jimmy Lollie | 37 |
| 2009 | Jimmy Lollie | 26 |
| 2008 | Bubbly Totti | 21 |
| 2007 | Brickfield Class | 23 |
| 2006 | Westmead Olivia | 20 |
| 2005 | Laser Beam | 25 |
| 2004 | Farloe Verdict | 20 |
| 2003 | Tims Crow | 22 |
| 2002 | Rossa Ranger | 32 |
| 2001 | No Can Wait | 22 |
| Parliament Act | 22 | |
| 2000 | El Boss |
37 |
It is a magnificent record so early in the second half of 2018. So how many wins does it take to guarantee to head the table by the end of December?
As the table below clearly shows, that varies. 22/23 wins would be good enough most years . . . but clearly, not always!
But might there be another lesson in here too!
Let’s cast our mind back to the bottom of the table – Millennium year.
Top of the chart was El Boss with 37 wins And behind him? 36 Ceephil, 33 Palace Issue, 24 Blue Tex, 22 Grayslands Blanc, 21 Heavenly Lady, 20 El Greeko & El Hombre.
With welfare bells ringing about ‘over racing’, it would be interesting to hear the view of Linda Mullins, who trained El Boss and five of the other seven, throughout extended and successful careers.
