- This topic has 89 replies, 44 voices, and was last updated 14 years, 4 months ago by
.
- Posts
- Total Posts 17716
TAPK
The thread title queries JW’s ability as a pundit – not as a journalist – and, until you’re able to make the distinction, I’d suggest keeping your inane comments to yourself.
You could only wish the bloke well, sounds like he’s had a very tough few years. If he’s now making life decisions on gut feeling and what his heart is telling him, then he’s already made a
massive
step forward imo.
That said, I agree with Reet. All too often in racing it seems any measured critical analysis of a "racing persons" work, is seen as a personal attack on their human qualities, which is not the case and Reet’s comments on this thread are certainly no exception.
Out of order, Your Majesty.
Haven’t read much of JW nor seen/heard much of him on t’goggler in the last couple of years but when exposed to him on a regular basis the conclusion was ‘interesting words, worth absorbing; uninteresting tips worth binning’. Much like Nick Mordin really before he tried too, too hard to be ‘different’ thus laying himself open to ridicule.
Given James’s trying circumstances at present this is possibly not the time for strangers to be making unequivocal character assessments; but nevertheless I for one am not in the least bit surprised he’s developed some ‘issues’, given the persona the public were allowed to glimpse on RUK
A complex ‘knife-edge’ man
Always preferable to the dull, transparent, feet-foursquare-on-the-ground type anyway
- Total Posts 17716
James Willoughby on RUK today for Meydan coverage, some cracking insights thus far.
I liked James Willoughby a few years back and also wondered where he went. He was a dear lover of the flat. Its great he is back posting.
Glad he left the Racing Post. The quality of journalism in that place is rock bottom. If Rodway can get work their simply is no floor to how low they will go.
David Johnson of Timeform Jury being critical of Willoughby for having opinions leaves me cold
Anyone that continues to read James Willoughby’s articles and want or expect a tip at the end of it is equally clueless imo.
I wouldn’t be so quick to say that. Let’s not forget he’s paid for his RP column. Lost of posters here give their time and opinions for nothing in return. As drone has intimated before, forums have given a greater voice to the man in the street and there are lots of opinions worth listening to that aren’t held back by the agendas and politics that some journalists are.
One of his colleagues talked about Nick Mordin and said opinions are off the wall half the time…pretty sure it was kieran packman. Doesn’t seem people have much loyalty to some of their former employees. Bit rich coming from the lads that bring us Timeform Radio. The anchors of those shows seem fairly restricted with their agendas and political leanings. I remember one anchor saying he hasnt been impressed with Paul Townend as a jockey. I switched off after such a idiotic comment that makes Mordin look conservative thinker. Also Timeform radio general way of going through half the field and not actually saying who these "experts" fancy. I guess you have to pay 99 sterling a month for your opinions
I’m sure the various TFR contributors would be happy to respond to any specific criticism you may wish to raise RIG… Meanwhile, you seem to have misconstrued DJ’s point about JW quite badly.
Anyone that continues to read James Willoughby’s articles and want or expect a tip at the end of it is equally clueless imo.
The equally clueless bit..surely this is in reference to James Willoughby. If not i take back what i said with a full apology but as he follows on saying that he is being paid for his views i cant believe i have misinterpreted his views.
The word clueless was introduced by the original poster – I don’t take DJ’s repetition of it suggests he was in agreement with its use, but I’m sure he can justify himself.
Rubyisgodinthesaddle
You have linked two of my posts together which misrepresent my point. For clarity, my response at the start of this thread was in reference to criticism of James Willoughby’s work because of the quality of his tips. I was merely pointing out, and stand by that judging him on that misses the point of what he was there at the Post for. If you look at the blog he now writes for which there is a link in this thread, you’ll see that James offers far more in terms of knowledge and expertise than tips. Just to be clear so there is no mistake on this. I don’t think James Willoughby is clueless.
The second point was more general, and certainly not in reference to any of James’ writing and just emphasising the point that has been made before by other posters that the era of the blogger means there are lots of people writing about racing with views worth reading and thats why I’ve been hanging around forums like these for the last 7 years or so.
With regards to any issues you may or may not have with Timeform radio and it’s coverage, it isn’t for me to respond to, if you have any issues, feel free to send your feedback to radio@timeform.com.
Thats perfect David.
As i said above if i caught the wrong end of the stick a full apology is in order and it is. I thought it was a very harsh thread and i admire James Willoughby for his honesty and having read his blog tonight my opinion of him has already grown.
No worries Ruby. Glad to clear up any misunderstanding by me not putting my point across as well as I should have.
Good luck tomorrow.
For all the numpties, who can sometimes make racing forums so tedious, have a think about a contribution from Suthish Nair:
"Once upon a time there was a painter who had just completed his course. He took 3 days and painted some beautiful scenery. He wanted people’s opinion about his caliber and painting skills.
He put his creation at a busy street-crossing. And just down below aboard which read – "I have painted this piece. Since I’m new to this profession I might have committed some mistakes in my strokes etc. Please put a cross wherever you see a mistake."
While he came back in the evening to collect his painting he was completely shattered to see that whole canvass was filled with Xs(crosses) and some people had even written their comments on the painting.
Disheartened and broken completely he ran to his master’s place and burst into tears.
This young artist was sighing heavily and the master heard him saying "I’m useless and if this is what I have learned to paint I’m not worth becoming a painter. People have rejected me completely. I feel like dying"
Master smiled and suggested "My Son, I will prove that you are a great artist and have created a flawless painting. Do as I say without questioning it. It WILL work."
The young artist reluctantly agreed and two days later, early morning, he presented a replica of his earlier painting to his master. The Master took that gracefully and smiled.
"Come with me." the Master said.
They reached the same street-square early morning and displayed the replica painting exactly at the same place. Then the Master took out another board which read – "Gentlemen, I have painted this piece. Since I’m new to this profession I might have committed some mistakes in my strokes etc. I have put a box with colours and brushes just below. Please do a favour. If you see a mistake, kindly pick up the brush and correct it."
Master and disciple walked back home.
They both visited the place same evening. The young painter was surprised to see that actually there was not a single correction done so far. Next day again they visited and found the painting remained untouched. They say the painting was kept there for a month but no correction came in!
Moral of the story:
It is easy to criticize, but DIFFICULT TO IMPROVE! "
- Total Posts 17716
Robert
We ‘forum numpties’ judge racing pundits; not by their eloquence, or the depth of their research. but on their ability to actually put bread on the table.
JW can discuss pace and energy distribution until hell freezes over, but, until sectional times are available for every horse in every race in the UK, and he can be adapt them to profitably take account of their ever-changing circumstances, he will always be just another theorist.Moral:
Fine words butter no parsnips.- Total Posts 17716
Robert
, thanks for an admirable allegory quite new to me – wonderful stuff.
Moral:
fine words prove that parsnips don’t need buttering
"Is there a worse pundit than James Willoughby?"
What about the geezer who was on with the clown Naughton at Catterick yesterday? Think Morrison was his name, jeez how bad is he? First of all from his prepared script he states Jo Richards has very little experience only some 90 secs later to correct himself when obviously put right by someone that she now "would not lack for experience".
Naughton asked him for his long range Cheltenham tip and Morrison had obviously done some research on this and gave a horse that had impressed him last time and although it had gone up over a stone in the weights Morrison still considered it well handicapped and well in at the weights for its race at Cheltenham.
How can the beast still be available at 20/1?
Maybe because it’s running in the National Hunt Chase, of those in the race only 19 of those with an OR have a higher rating, some a stone higher.Don’t know what broadcasters are doing letting some of these so called "pundits" loose on the viewing public.
By the way, Willoughby is very good.
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.