Bob Grace: 'I've been at a Test match and people have asked about Battaash'

Bob Grace, the devoted groom whose calm presence has helped turn Battaash from wild child to star sprinter, is looking forward to a summer of watching cricket and returning to the Memorial Stadium to cheer on his beloved Bristol Rovers after bringing an end to his 40-year career in the sport.

Grace has become synonymous with the blistering Battaash in recent seasons, but his association with the Hills family – first father Barry and then son Charlie – dates back 34 years. Before that he worked for Jim Old, Bob Wheatley, who owned 1981 Triumph Hurdle winner Baron Blakeney, and Michael Dickinson.

Watch Battaash win the 2019 Nunthorpe

"It does dominate your life, racing, especially when you're younger and you'd live, eat, drink and breathe it, but it's been great and I've loved it – some of the best days of my life have been in racing," he said.

Grace, from Warminster in Wiltshire, has had his fair share of class acts to look after including Irish 1,000 Guineas winners Nicer and Just The Judge as well as Dark Angel, who landed the Middle Park before becoming a top sire.

Dark Angel's progeny includes Battaash, who was an unruly two-year-old but has grown into one of the world's best sprinters, capturing a brace of Nunthorpes, the Abbaye and a King's Stand.

"Not that I've got kids, but it's a bit like picking your children and I'm sure Mrs Einstein didn't prefer Albert to his brother if that makes sense and hopefully I've treated them all the same," added Grace, who is conscious the gelded Battaash has a bigger public following than most Flat horses.

Battaash: brilliant sprinter is much loved by the publicCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

"I'm touched by what people think of him, although I do find it strange at times how much people like this little horse I used to look after. I've been at a Test match and people have asked me about Battaash. I've been in Sainsbury's and the middle of Swindon high street and people have come over talking about the horse.

"Probably the best racing day I've had was when he won the Nunthorpe in 2019. It was a long old day, but a great one.

"I always forgave him and let him off the bad days. Jim Crowley [Battaash's jockey] rang me on Sunday night, which was very good of him and he said, 'Do you know what, Bob, one of the things I've always liked about you was you've never blamed me when Battaash has got beaten'. But it's called racing, not winning and he's never really disappointed us – I always gave him a pat afterwards."

Grace, who lives in Lambourn, turns 60 next month and spoke candidly about his reasons for an early retirement.

"My dad Bill died a few months ago," he explained. "My sister and I have a house to sell between us, so I can actually afford not to work plus I've got to nearly 60 and getting up at 5.30am every morning when it's -5C is enough for me!

Bob Grace: also looked after Dark Angel, Battaash's sireCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

"I'm a widower as my wife Helen died 15 years ago, so I'm on my own with not many bills to pay and enough money to watch a bit of cricket and bit of football when I want to rather than booking a day off.

"I did sit down and make a conscious decision to retire as you'd book a day off months in advance to go to the Test match and the day you've booked off it bloody rained! At least now I can sit and watch the next day on television."

Disgusted by a passing mention of Bristol City, Grace cannot wait for the autumn and the chance to roar on their bitter blue-and-white rivals.

"I've got more photographs than I know what to do with and thought when I was leaving I'd get another from Charlie and the lads, but they got me a season ticket for next season for Bristol Rovers, which is fabulous and means a lot," he added.

"For once in my life, I was lost for words for a few seconds and really touched."

If you want more on Battaash . . .

Battaash: the speed machine who is the pride and joy of trainer and groom

'Horse of a lifetime' Battaash has his day of days after battling success

Members' Club: 'If you sit on Battaash . . . it's a different kettle of fish altogether'

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