Punch rocks pundits

Popular racehorse Persian Punch did more than defy the years when claiming a memorable win at Glorious Goodwood.

Goodwood Cup: Race report

The ten-year-old gelding also confounded the views of BBC Five Live racing experts Cornelius Lysaght and Lee McKenzie.

Correspondent Lysaght and commentator McKenzie have years of experience, and know their racing.

And they were in little doubt about what should happen to the horse when he finished last in the 2002 Goodwood Cup - he should be retired. Simple as that.

Here's what they said 12 months ago:

Cornelius Lysaght: Today he just looked a bit of a shadow of his former self.

Lee McKenzie: I'm sure you're right.

Lysaght: If you and I were in partnership, I'm sure we'd say: 'Look, boy - off to the field.'

McKenzie: It's time to go gracefully.

Here comes the Punch! McKenzie's words as the veteran horse triumphs again Photo gallery: Goodwood Day 3

But McKenzie was left to eat his words when Persian Punch returned for the 2003 race, and he called the horse home first in a thrilling battle with Jardines Lookout.

In fact, it was the 10-year-old's tenth race - and fourth victory - since the previous Goodwood Cup.

At least the radio duo had the good grace to accept the error of their ways.

"A week is a long time in politics - and a year is a very, very long time in racing," said Lysaght.

He added: "It was great stuff from Persian Punch - he's 10 years old and in his eighth season.

"He relishes a battle and people love to see him out in front."

And our man in the paddock appears to have learned his lesson.

"If he turns up again next year, it would take a brave man to bet against him," he said.