Interview with Barry GeraghtyThe day that has been at the back of Barry Geraghty's mind for a year has finally arrived and the jockey is determined to be as blasé about it as he can, well as blasé as a rider on a roll can be.
No one knows better that nerves are the last things needed when Moscow Flyer bids to fulfil what most of Ireland has seen as his destiny ever since winning the Arkle last year.
"I'll be happy being busy. Being too busy to take everything in is much better than sitting around, twiddling your thumbs and working yourself up. The good thing is I have a lot more experience now of big races," says the 24-year-old.
Geraghty is guilty of serious under-statement, choosing not to say that many previous lucrative trips across the water this season have happened because of an obvious ability to get it right when it matters.
Martin Pipe isn't famous for handing out spare rides to just anybody but it was Geraghty who guided Cyfor Malta to success in November's Thomas Pink Gold Cup. Jonjo O'Neill isn't exactly a bad judge either and Mini Sensation and Iris's Gift are just two high profile winners that testify to his judgment.
As if that wasn't proof enough, a double yesterday illustrated a jockey at the peak of his powers, all strength and determination on Inching Closer: finesse itself on Youlneverwalkalone.
But temperament has always been a strong point for the Co Meath rider. From his first success on Stagalier at Down Royal in early 1997, Geraghty's knack for keeping a cool head has reaped a jockey's championship (1999-00) and a prominent place at the head of a vintage generation of Irish jockeys.
"There's never any point thinking ahead in a big way because there's no point worrying. I remember the Arkle last year and being concerned after the first few that they were going so quick. We were nearly second last. It wasn't until after the first three that the horse found his feet but in the end we got there in plenty of time," he says.
That Arkle was a first festival success and it has left Geraghty hungry for more. Typically though he is not one to indulge too much in the Cheltenham hoopla that can often get stifling.
"It's definitely a place you want to win at but you can't build your year around it. There are a lot of highlights after it. I mean the Grand National is probably the biggest single race of the year. Then there's Fairyhouse and Punchestown too. Getting a winner or two at those places is important as well. I don't want to knock Cheltenham but it's not the finale to the season," he says.
He might think differently after yesterday but it's that determination to analyse clearly and logically that makes Geraghty's confidence in Moscow Flyer today all the more convincing.
In one Cheltenham preview night, Paul Carberry remarked that his pal might need a parachute in the Champion Chase. But Geraghty is convinced concerns over the horse's jumping are exaggerated.
"Mistakes in the past I would put down to the ground. On better going he is a different horse. But even so there has really been only one time when it was his fault. That was at Leopardstown one day and he just seemed to make no effort.
"The mistake he made the last day at Punchestown was total lack of concentration because he was winning so easily and was in front for a long time. It won't be like that now," he says.
"Cenkos is a good horse who has been a little disappointing. Maybe he's a spring horse and Ruby (Walsh) thinks he'll beat Kadaraan who Moscow Flyer beat at Down Royal early in the season. It's hard to see that one improving enough.
"Noel Meade and a lot of good judges say these two milers tend to come back so you can't write off Edredon Bleu or Flagship Uberalles. They're used to the big day. But Tiutchev is the one I really fear the most. I thought he ran a very nice race the last time he ran. It's a very competitive race but I hope my fellah's class gets him through," Geraghty concludes.
And as for that parachute, the only thing it might be needed for is getting the jockey back to the weigh room through a happy mob of Irish punters.
