- This topic has 45 replies, 24 voices, and was last updated 18 years, 5 months ago by
.
- Posts
Not saying it is an easy job, but compare a 10 runner race where all the jockeys are wearing specifically coloured hats, to a 30-runner cavalry charge where they all finish on top of each other. I think I know which one is an easier job….
Another classic commentary from Jim McGrath at Ascot on Saturday. He proclaimed Dream Eater the winner from over a furlong out, getting exceedingly excited about it "skipping a couple clear" when anyone with eyes could see that he was joined instantly by the eventual winner and another horse (whose name like Jim, I have forgotten). The other horse he claimed to be Ordinance "And Frankie" when in fact that horse had laboured into the chasing group.
It wasn’t until after the line that he even mentioned the winner’s name! Or the second for that matter.
Genius.
Rewatch the Ribblesdale ~ when Aussie Jim should be spotting Silkwood coming to claim the race in a matter of strides he’s actually calling pacemaker Majoune’s Song as having made a race winning move. She’d been swallowed up by the time he’d finished his sentence.
Rory, GG seems to have perfected that art.
"look to the left…******* ****** coming on a strong stride" as that particular horse is swallowed up by the rest of the field.
Colin
It is noted that Dave Smith got caught out in the 2.20 at Kempton this afternoon, calling Dinner Date a short head winner with around 10 yards to go to the line, only to have to back-track when Hatch A Plan’s late surge looked to have landed that one a share of the spoils at least after all (and was indeed ultimately adjudged to have got him the win outright).
A faux pas which will only serve to reinforce the trenchant views (on either side) on Mr Smith and / or on the perils of commentating in general, I feel.
gc
Jeremy Grayson. Son of immigrant. Adoptive father of two. Metadata librarian. Freelance point-to-point / horse racing writer, analyst and commentator wonk. Loves music, buses, cats, the BBC Micro, ale. Advocate of CBT, PACE and therapeutic parenting. Aspergers.
The standard of commentating we have today is incredibly variable. We don’t have enough top class callers and far too many ego merchants more interested in personalising the call at every opportunity.
Smith is in the lowest division in my book and mute button is best option.
The standard of commentating we have today is incredibly variable. We don’t have enough top class callers and far too many ego merchants more interested in personalising the call at every opportunity.
I don’t know Wallace, I think the general standard now is better than it has been and commentators not performing to par are quickly droped from the rota – Andy Orkney being a prime example.
As for "personalising the call" I suppose that is a very subjective view – I would rather have some of the commentators character come across than listen to bland monotones e.g. Doug Fraser (although I think John Hamner had no peer when it came to flat boring commentary) – but that is just personal taste, I have nothing agaist either of the chaps personally.
It is noted that Dave Smith got caught out in the 2.20 at Kempton this afternoon, calling Dinner Date a short head winner with around 10 yards to go to the line, only to have to back-track when Hatch A Plan’s late surge looked to have landed that one a share of the spoils at least after all (and was indeed ultimately adjudged to have got him the win outright).
A faux pas which will only serve to reinforce the trenchant views (on either side) on Mr Smith and / or on the perils of commentating in general, I feel.
gc
I can handle him making bad calls when he commentates. It’s when he’s judging I’m worried about!
You guys don’t know when you are well off- try listening to Des Scahill every day for a few years without succumbing to the urge to disembowel yourself.
You guys don’t know when you are well off- try listening to Des Scahill every day for a few years without succumbing to the urge to disembowel yourself.
I see your Des Scahill and raise you one ‘GG’.
At Hexham yesterday the combination of an antiquated PA system and Doug Fraser doing the commentary made it sound as if a Dalek was doing the commentary – exterminate!!!!
At Hexham yesterday the combination of an antiquated PA system and Doug Fraser doing the commentary made it sound as if a Dalek was doing the commentary – exterminate!!!!
Paul, I believe Mr Fraser’s album of Kraftwerk cover versions will be out in time for Christmas.
gc
Jeremy Grayson. Son of immigrant. Adoptive father of two. Metadata librarian. Freelance point-to-point / horse racing writer, analyst and commentator wonk. Loves music, buses, cats, the BBC Micro, ale. Advocate of CBT, PACE and therapeutic parenting. Aspergers.
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.