Pinsent thinks differently and agrees with Grobler that his own future is likely to remain in the coxless pairs."It's going to be a big change for him because they have experienced so much together He is going to need good management around him. I have never in 25 years here and in Germany seen anyone with such endurance. He is also mentally strong under pressure - he always seems to have something in reserve."Grobler thinks life after the Olympics could be more difficult for Pinsent than for Redgrave. "Their six years together has brought a lot of success - now he has to start a new rowing career, almost a new life, and find a new partner. This time, though, he says Pinsent will soon have to go out "and buy his own drinks". First, though, he will buy Pinsent a large one. Grobler believes Pinsent, who is only 25, nine years younger than Redgrave, can form another pair with one of the younger oarsmen. But as good? "You have to remember what he has contributed to Steven's greater fame He has always been underestimated He is a very strong athlete.

In certain things his performance is better than Steven Redgrave's His endurance level is higher. Redgrave will be elevated amongst the great Olympians and Pinsent will be looking around for a new partner. Redgrave said he would retire after the Barcelona Olympics four years ago but found he could not cope without something that had consumed his interest for so long. Their coach, Jurgen Grobler, says Pinsent's contribution is greatly underestimated. All three are enormously confident that come the final next Saturday the gold medal will be won. The favourite rallied close home but Highflying was not going to be denied.Highflying, a winner of the Northumberland Plate in 1993, was registering the 14th success of his career from 52 outings and was taking his win and place earnings past pounds 140,000. Principal owner Barry Batey said: "This is not quite as good as winning the Plate but it's a wonderful tribute to the horse - he's like a gladiator."We had thought about retiring but after this we'll have to keep him going for the time being."Highflying is now likely to go to Ascot on Friday to try to secure back- to-back victories in the Brown Jack Handicap..

Steve Redgrave is on the verge of becoming the most successful oarsman of all time - unless, that is, Matthew Pinsent just happens to go down with Atlanta tummy or, more likely, sunstroke. While everyone has been talking about Redgrave's pursuit of his fourth Olympic gold medal, his partner in the coxless pairs, which starts today, has been largely ignored. Connections had considered retiring the 10-year-old but were forced into a rethink after the gelding pipped the favourite Etterby Park in the Ripon Bell-Ringer Handicap. Highflying responded gamely to Kevin Darley's urgings to head the front- running Etterby Park approaching the final furlong. This made his century off 77 balls the more remarkable but he said: "I didn't think there was any point in hanging about and I just played my normal game. I like to be positive." Crookes, 27, was helping to run his father's pig farm in Natal until recently.