Border Incident (horse)  Border Incident was a British-bred racehorse who first developed into a high class novice hurdler, then later became one of the best steeplechasers of his generation. He had a tendency to break blood vessels and was plagued by injury throughout his career which limited his racecourse appearances. He was physically strong in appearance though often sweated up before his races. He was trained throughout his career by Richard Head at Rhonehurst Stables, in Upper Lambourn, Berkshire, England. Foaled in 1970, Border Incident was sired by the very useful flat middle distance runner Border Chief, who became a successful National Hunt sire. Border Incident's dam Cuddle Up, was a point-to-point winner. Border Incident made three appearances in his first season, winning on each occasion with John Francome in the saddle. All the runs came in novice hurdle company. After comfortable victories at Newbury in November and Chepstow the following month, he started favourite for the prestigious Panama Cigar Hurdle Final at Chepstow in March. The Raceform representative at the course returned the following comments for the run; ‘Jumped well, always prominent, led two out, soon clear.’ Border Incident was limited to two appearances during this campaign. On his first outing in the SGB Hire Shop Hurdle at Ascot in December, he appeared to be travelling well but dropped suddenly out of contention to finish unplaced behind Grand Canyon. On his final start in February, he was switched to fences and was not troubled to beat inferior opposition in a novice chase at Windsor. The Timeform organisation went on record as stating that his affliction to break blood vessels looked likely to hinder his career, adding that after he had won the Panama Cigar Hurdle Final during the previous season, he was in their opinion the most promising novice since Bula. Border Incident won three of his five starts during this season, developing into a high class chaser. He opened up his campaign by making all the running to beat Fred Winter’s highly touted Snow Flyer over two and a half miles at Ascot in October. He then dropped back to two miles for the Black & White Whisky Gold Cup at the same venue in November. He ran a meritable race in defeat, in front jumping the last fence but being unable to match the pace of Tree Tangle on the run in. Border Incident next appeared in the Old Year Chase at Cheltenham during the Christmas period where he was conceding weight to seasoned performers.