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All power to Venture’s elbow and the forces of darkness. Let’s hope it can make it to 2025 – the year of the next big world event.
There was once a time when all racehorse names were linked to the name of the sire and dam – it was probably back in the age of The Black Death but it was a better world, nevertheless!
Anyone who insists on calling all their horses by the same monotonous theme name each year or, worse still, ALL THE TIME, doesn’t deserve the wealth to own racehorses and should have their entire string confiscated.
Bollin this, Sizing that, it’s just WRONG, I tell you, WRONG!
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It's the "Millwall FC" of Point broadcasts: "No One Likes Us - We Don't Care"You’ve hit the coffin nail on the head again chief – but Dad, hold your horse names there a minute, did you have to mention the Black Death – the pandemic of all pandemics that even put Camus off his breakfast – you’re always in the habit of trying to scare us vulnerable posters SH*ITLESS
Totally agree about themed names. Most of them are very unimaginative, and it makes it sound like the horses are commodities that have come off of a production line. Sadly this may be how they are regarded in some cases.
This year we are at peak Minella with Minella Gold Cup winner and Minella Grand National winner.
There was once a time when all racehorse names were linked to the name of the sire and dam – it was probably back in the age of The Black Death but it was a better world, nevertheless!
Anyone who insists on calling all their horses by the same monotonous theme name each year or, worse still, ALL THE TIME, doesn’t deserve the wealth to own racehorses and should have their entire string confiscated.
Bollin this, Sizing that, it’s just WRONG, I tell you, WRONG!
To be fair to the “Bollins” I think originally they were homebred by the Westbrook’s (not the one in Eastenders) so would have made reference to the dams at least. Bollin Zola was the dam of Bollin Eric, Bollin Jasmine and Bollin Terry for example and I think Bollin Harriet was another of their broodmares. I like that sort of continuity myself.
I take the general point though and it’s not that new a phenomenon , I recall Jack Berry having a whole host of “Palacegates” (owned by a club of that name perhaps) and in the 80s a bunch of horses with the awful free advertising “Hinari” pre-fix.
It is worse in greyhound racing. How many Ballymacs, Farloes and Droopys are there?
Aye CAS. Must be hundreds of those ‘Droopys *insert sporting surname*’ dogs. Lack of imagination and duller than dishwater.
I agree with Ian, I like the ones that are cleverly linked to the parents. Not just a Frankel called “My Frankel” though for example, thats rubbish.
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“Gabrial The Monotonous…”
Another excellent example!
It’s a crime against good taste and the majesty of the thoroughbred!
I am "The Horse Racing Punter" on Facebook
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It's the "Millwall FC" of Point broadcasts: "No One Likes Us - We Don't Care"I suppose there were plenty of Westmead greyhounds as well but at least a lot of them were good, crowned by Westmead Hawk – the best ever.
I remember when Westmead Hawk was only about 16’s for Sports Personality of The Year. What a dog, ran like he had a jockey timing his run.
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The first time I ever saw the Hawk was in the first round of the 2005 Derby. I had backed Bat On, a fast starter trained by Charlie Lister.
Sure enough, Bat On pinged out and went about three lengths clear. I was almost starting to count my money. Then this big dog in the black jacket just took off and went whoosh. He went past Bat On like he was standing still. It really was like a Ferrari against Ford Escorts.
After the race, an old fellow standing next to me was muttering “Brilliant dog, absolutely brilliant.” I asked him him if he had backed him. He took a ticket out of his wallet for £50 each way at 66/1. A few weeks later when the Hawk won the final he would have collected over £4,000. He told me “I have been watching greyhound racing for over 70 years and this dog is the best I have ever seen.”
He was not wrong. And I never made the mistake of backing against him again!
His semi final win in 2006 defied belief. Errol Blyth’s commentary “Oh my God, he got up!” is just as good as Ian Bartlett’s incredulous “He’s ten lengths clear” during Frankel’s Guineas.
You have encouraged me to watch some of his stuff on Youtube Cork. Brilliant. The atmosphere was electric at Wimbledon for his Derbys. How did it go so wrong there I wonder.
Westmead Hawk was a dog of a lifetime alright. McCrirrick used to go absolutely mental talking about him and his immaculately timed winning bursts.
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Yes, Wimbledon came alive when the Derby was on, especially on Final night. I can remember hot footing it from Epsom after Sir Percy had won the Derby to get to Wimbledon for the Hawk’s second Derby.
One fellow who had been in the Queens Stand at Epsom had the same idea. He looked a bit ridiculous standing on the terrace at Wimbledon in his morning suit and top hat!
I also liked Quarter Finals night, with the four quarters and some good supporting races as well.
It was a shame what happened at Wimbledon. No investment was made there at all and it just went to rack and ruin. The game was up when they shut down the old Grandstand and switched the track around with the Mick The Miller stand becoming the main stand. I am told the viewing was terrible.
It eventually succumbed to property developers. Although why anyone would want to buy a property there is a mystery. The site is by the River Wandle which often floods, as it did on Wimbledon’s opening night many years ago!
Having a (very) casual interest in the dogs, I did not know any of that. Sad but interesting information, thanks.
I’ve often wondered if the (rightly imo) sea of change against blood sports, including Hare Coursing (get stuffed Prezza!), had a negative affect on Greyhound racing. Regardless, the BHA should think on and get the term ‘National Hunt’ officially sacked off imo. Fox hunting is immoral, and illegal.
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