- This topic has 33 replies, 19 voices, and was last updated 17 years, 8 months ago by
.
-
Posts
-
Down would kind of like to think that, English though he surely is, he not only sees himself as an honorary Irishman but that the Irish see him that way too. He used to write very well but in recent times has become a parody of himself. I also find that his laid back approach to TV presentation and laconic manner takes much of the edge off the excitement. y the end of a days racing he often sounds as though he’s thoroughly fed up and can’t wait to get to the bar.
To join his Irish ‘mates’ for a good old rendition of Danny Boy no doubt.
Agree with many of the comments on here..
Thought the whole history rant from Down was cringe worthy and uncalled for.
As for the Nationality think like Nixer and Mesh said…I think it adds to it. For instance when the Brits and European horses go to America for the Breeders Cup it is always a disaster if there are not European winners…it would equally be a disaster for the Irish if they had no Cheltenham winners….
Its the same at Hong Kong and Japan etc…are forum members serious trying to tell me they were not hoping Ouiji Board and co would do the business last year???? Were ye not hoping for a UK win in the Melbourne Cup because I was sure as hell hoping for an Irish or UK one!!?
Everyone other sport has a "national spice" to it…why not horse racing?
Nobody’s saying that there can’t be a national rivalry at the bigger race meetings, I think some would do considerably worse without it, but it shouldn’t be taken to extremes.
At the end of the day racing is racing, and I’d be just as happy to watch an Italian horse slaughtering an Irish horse at the top level, as I would be watching a British horse doing the same.
Obviously it would be nice if Britain could take a (big) hand at the Breeders’ Cup, Cheltenham, Punchestown etc. but I’m not going to feel as though I should ‘disassociate’ myself from my nationality because of it.
it is always a disaster if there are not European winners
I think this is a different issue.
We’re used to seeing the European horses run and, unless you’re a US racing fan, tend to regard our top horses as the "best".
(because they’re the best we see)
If they go to America and get shown to be ordinary, it kind of puts a dampner on things.
So, for me at least, it’s not a Europe v America thing but the hope that the horses I thought were extraordinary throughout the season prove themselves to be extraordinary.
Steve
LGR – I very much doubt the national rivalry has been taken to extremes.
When the British and the Irish start petrol-bombing each other in the stands, and rioting in the winner’s enclosure at Cheltenham – not to forget Richard Johnson and Barry Geraghty throwing punches in the weighing room – then I might admit it has gone too far ;)
The article was patronising, misty-eyed gobs**t
e of the highest order. Totally propagates the theme-park idea of Ireland. Plucky Paddies with their craic and Daniel O’Donnell CD’s coming over here to whip their colonial masters…oh give it a rest. Childish, racist nonsense that has bugger-all to do with modern racing on either side of the Irish Sea.Maybe we should have a vote on who cringed the most – British or Irish readers?
Reminds me of a glorious episode at Cheltenham a few years ago, when Thommo (surprise, surprise) was waxing lyrical about Limestone Lad whilst sharing a commentary box with Ted Walsh.
Thompson was in full garbage mode, going on and on about this supposedly famous hill that Limestone Lad used to run up as part of his training. He imbued it with all the ‘magical Irish hills’ malarky and then asked Walsh (who seems not to suffer idiots at all) some fatuous question about it.
"You do have hills in England, Derek" came the terse reply.
It was never mentioned again.
Mike
Quote: from Nixer on 2:03 pm on April 12, 2006[br]<br>Sometiems difference can be a good thing. Ye know. Just becasue you say someting is different does not mean you are saying it is  good or bad . Just different mate ….thats all ….just different.
Sounds like a movie quote there to me Nixer – Leo Getz perhaps ?
Alastair seems to trigger off something deep in the English psyche which is something that an Irishman wouldn’t understand. IMO he writes very well when he leaves his ego and his purple ink at home. Today’s little sketch of yesterday at Ludlow is brilliant IMHO.
Having criticised his attempt at humour a few days ago (perhaps a little harshly) I have to say I enjoyed his piece today, it was simple, well-written, restrained and has helped put me in the mood for Cheltenham.
Just thought he deserved some praise.
As with most of the Channel 4 team, Alastair Down is either loved or loathed. (or is that just Thommo).
I agree a good piece. I particularly look forward to AD’s daily reviews at the festival on C4.<br>
Yes Jonny, I think that’s just Thommo. If fat Al reads your piece he’ll be back on the drink before Cheltenham!
Am I the only one who immediately loses my patience with, and respect for, anyone moaning about paying school fees?
It was a very readable articulate piece.<br>I think the Guy is enjoying life more now. <br>I have to say I enjoyed it.
I particularly look forward to AD’s daily reviews at the festival on C4.
They make me cringe.
I always wondered why Down thought the were funny … now I know … if you’re drunk enough, you’ll laugh at anything.
Am I the only one who immediately loses my patience with, and respect for, anyone moaning about paying school fees?
No
Steve
Am I the only one who immediately loses my patience with, and respect for, anyone moaning about paying school fees?
Me neither…
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.