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I must say I love the racing at Royal Ascot, I study the form etc etc. Racing is my life…but..
I really enjoy seeing a bit more of the spectacle that is Royal Ascot than just the racing. There is so much more to the meeting than just the racing, which without argument is top quality, and I appreciate the fact that the BBC take the time to attempt to show it, although the quality can be questionable at times ;) <br>Maybe it’s a female thing but I like to see how people have dressed for the occasion, how it sets the atmosphere…in fact, the more I think about it, I think it probably is a female thing:biggrin:
(Edited by lekha85 at 5:56 pm on June 20, 2007)
Fair enough lekha85 but couldn’t they record a few bits to show at the end of racing coverage instead of inbetween races?
This is an annual argument on here – so I’ll trot out my annual response….
Royal Ascot is a shop window for racing.  To attract the window shoppers it has to promote the side of racing that does exist (even if hardened cynical punters and purists don’t like it), the glamorous day out.  It is appealing to sponsors and potential owners for the racecourse to be able to say – come for a beautiful, glamorous, fashionable day out, we have the best racing in the world and some of the most beautiful people.  It’s a very attractive package to people on the fringes, for whom racing is a passing interest rather than a passion.  Racing has to satisfy those with a passion, but it also has to cater for those with a passing interest too – the dedicated racing fan population just isn’t big enough on its own (particularly when you have a new stand to pay for).
Like it or not, people do watch Ascot for the fashion, and maybe some of them will be drawn into the racing too on the back of it.  I think it is wise of the BBC to show all parts of the event through the afternoon.  I loathe the nasty, shallow, pathetic ‘experts’ who comment on it (gosh, that woman is wearing flat shoes, how can she live with herself?! w**k
ers), but I appreciate that the reputation of Ascot as the place to be seen during this week does pay alot of bills for racing.Lekha, I do like looking at the dresses too, so maybe it is a girly thing!  I just have to watch it with the sound down.
Quote: from heffo on 6:04 pm on June 20, 2007[br]Fair enough lekha85 but couldn’t they record a few bits to show at the end of racing coverage instead of inbetween races?<br>
They could but leaving all those bits to the end would totally fail in the object of pulling in those with a ‘passing interest’ in racing, or window shopping as Sal quite aptly pus it. <br>The BBC have to attempt to cater to all the licence payers, not just those who are passionate about racing. This is where the game become mildly easier for RUK and ATR. The BBC have the much harder task of keeping everyone happy and so there are always parts that the hardcore racing enthusiast just can’t be bothered with. But I’m glad I’m not the only person on here who enjoys the pomp and ceremony of Royal Ascot…makes me feel slightly less of a fool…thanks guys!!
P.S. JimJTS has just pointed out that these fashion bits are so much better than ads?!?
(Edited by lekha85 at 8:39 pm on June 20, 2007)<br>
(Edited by lekha85 at 9:23 pm on June 20, 2007)
Quote: from Grimes on 10:04 pm on June 19, 2007[br]Royal Ascots never going to be the same for me, unless they get Mrs Charlie Brookes – as I believe she is now – back on the mike, lacing into the attire of her sisters under the skin, with great gusto. Hilarious stuff.
(Edited by Grimes at 9:05 pm on June 19, 2007)<br>
Would you be talking about Miriam Francome perchance? To be quite honest I’ve lost the thread of the Charlie Brooks lovefest so apologies if this is old news but it sure as hell wasn’t Miwiam that he was strolling along with yesterday, hand in hand.
<br>"Oh! what’s that slapper got on.  It’s far too low cut, I can see her navel.  You look like a tipsy barmaid!, marm"
JS<br>
<br>Hard to think of any other commercial enterprise that would allow someone to enter their premises and slag off their paying customers on national TV.
I’m sure Mr Sherwood is very witty, very post modern, or whatever the current phrase is, but if I was running Ascot, I’d tell the BBC to get shot of him or give up their contract.
AP
The saddest thing about yesterday is that the 4.55 probably had more analysis given to it than any other race. Probably because that jumped up little mascara wearing nobhead had run out of things to say.
Whilst I agree with the sentiment that Ascot is more than just a race meeting and that the otehr side of things deserves coverage, I would prefer it not to be a 50/50 split… The fanfare and dressing up makes it the occasion it is, not some snivelling little turd telling me what type of waist coat you should wear in the royal enclosure.. My favourite section being the part where he had to admit that he looked like a nob last year cos his hat didn’t fit..
I also think that they are portaying a rather elitist view of racing which i’m not really sure helps the sport..
I think racing should make it a regular thing. I’d love to see him at next years Cheltenham Festival "tweed and Guinness stains definitely seem to be in this year" or a wet windy evening at Wolverhampton.
Whoops – forgot to add
He is a snivelly little prick and if I ever go to Royal Ascot and he makes a smart comment about my wife (or girlfriend:biggrin: ), he’ll be wearing a spanking new shiner the next day.
Ascot is very smart
on one of the last occasions i visited, i sat next to a gent with top hat and tails on teh train back
Unfortunately the acne around the ears wasnt very appealing, nor was the earring
Nor was the West Ham tattoo which became exposed under his too short cuffs
<br>More seriously, this sums it up. Tacky and snobbish and a bit nasty.
I think you trying to say that the "nouveau riche" have taken over Clivex.
It is like most big events where alcohol is involved: it just not very nice anymore.
Regards – Matron<br>:cool:
I also have to agree with the girls on this one. As an owner/breeder I am pleased to see money coming into the sport and Ascot prize money owes far less to the Levy Board ( as a percentage) or even to owners than does a wet thursday at Southwell – I am all in favour of a historic occasion that keeps the public and the money rolling in. They wouldn’y do that if the BBC didn’y do ots part in making it an occasion. After 40+ years marriage my wife and I sit quite companionably watching Ascot wishing we had a horse good enough to be there. Ask your wives you curmudgeonly bunch – I bet most of them would love you to take them to Ascot at least once.
Matron,
Would you be in favour of banning alcohol then? Personally I enjoy a drink and unless we brits stand up a bit they’ll probably ban that as well unless you stand in the drinkers corner.
It is possible to have a drink and appreciate the racing at the same time. You’re generalising too much and the unavoidable truth is that Joe Public who likes a drink and a bet is the person who will keep the racecourses afloat (Although not necessarily racing itself).
Not everyone is a serious form/racing student.
just out of interest, how many have actually been rather than just watched on tv? I’ve been a few times on different days and I have to say that tacky and snobish were certainly two words I would not have chosen to describe it…
….would you rather see Royal Ascot done in a barn next to the track and with a load of old men sat their with their racing post and a thermos? What’s so wrong with making it inclusive and special once in a while, especially for a sport that struggles to get the general public interested?
Unfortunately in my short racing career so far I have not made it to Ascot itself though I was at the Royal meeting when it was at York and was amazed at how different it was to a usual big York meet or newmarket on guineas day. it is special and different and although my interest will always primarily be in the racing, the glamour and occaision make it easier to go and have a good time with friends to whom the racing is not foremost in their mind.
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