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Any one out there think, that there is in racing to much of it, things like main trade press, reporters being the main tele pundits, and people who make other profits from racing such as Derek Thopson on three hands race calling presenting and operating a premium tipster service.<br>One wonders wether because these people are SO influential in our sport that only view, that gets heard, consequently is theirs. <br>Or am I just paranoid.<br>It would be nice to hear other views<br>
First time I’ve ever heard anyone on here call Derek Thompson ‘influential’ :biggrin:
My reference to Derek Thompson was more that he gives out his opinions on channel 4, and at the same time runs a premium tipping line, does that mean when he tips on channel 4 there is no need to ring his premium line?<br>
Well, nepotism is rife in every industry. It’s not fair and all that, but it is a natural fact of life.
If I had a job for someone, I would feel much safer offering the job to someone I know rather than risking a lot of money on a complete stranger – after all, there is no known and proven method of finding the best person for a job.
As for Derek Thompson, this isn’t a case of nepotism. If he is a respected pundit, then it stands to reason that he’d be a natural choice to speak on a tipping service (I don’t think he runs it by the way) (*)
I do feel sorry for people who want to work in racing in whatever capacity but can’t get a break because they aren’t well connected. But it is possible to break in, and plenty do.
(*) notice my if in that sentence, and….
> there is no need to ring his premium line?
IMHO, no need whatsoever, under any circumstances.
Thanks rich <br>In my original peice, which was very disorganised, I really meant to say, we have one real trade paper, one terrestial racing channel (the BBC doesn’t count any more) and ATR . That the three main mediums for the information that we the punters use, are populated by the same people. Couple that with the no information, if you have a go, by jockeys trainers owners and the racing government. Means that instead of clear investigive jornalism we have head up A*** views. <br>Even the ones who speak out and damn the consequences, have to watch their ps and qs as per Paul haig on nimello and McCirrick v Savill. I think it is a poor state when these are the only people who will actually have a go. Ever heard Alistair Down have a go at something serious? I can not remember one. When tommo tried it (top Cees) he got shot down.<br> The government passed laws to allow whistle blowing etc maybe racing should do the same.
Alastair Down slated the 2001 National, and I was suprised (and pleased, although I didn’t agree with his piece) that his career wasn’t knackered afterwards.
I utterly agree. Far too much inbreeding and tipping line pal-ery.
Of course, I only say that because I want their jobs. Now.
I could do it better, honest!!!
No no no, I thoroughly disagree oiks. I started in my role at the Jockey Club after father, Chompy Smetheringhurst-Elmbranch got me into the Masons. Can’t say I’ve seen any signs of nepotism since that day, as I was saying to my deputy Chompy_Draw_Boy_Junior at the Raffles Club just yesterday over a glass of port.
Hi ian and chompy <br>LOL:biggrin:<br>Its not only the actual nepotism but only one view gets thru’.<br>I see many views about horses and all the other aspects of racing, on here, many diametrically opposed its good but I do not see it in the media. Joe public unfortunatly does not see it all.<br>Feel less paranoid now.<br>Nobody likes me……………
Hi Dung,
I think I understand the point you’re making, but I’m not sure it’s nepotism in all cases. To me, people like Clare & Andrew Balding, Emma Ramsden, Patrick Kinghorn etc. may have family history in the sport, but have proved talented enough to be respected for what they do as individuals.
In a much broader sense, I suppose you could say the whole racing industry as a family is a little nepotistic (or maybe incestuous is a better word). They very rarely break ranks, even when scandals like horse welfare, drug taking, non-triers etc. come to the fore. There does seem to be a lot of dead wood in the industry as well, who always seem to be able to find work. Imo of course!
btw I do agree with you Ian. There must be many budding racing journalists who will never get the breaks they need or deserve. Whether nepotism (in it’s purest form) can be blamed, I’m not sure.
Hi Colin,<br>Hope the Hi dung was a salutation and not descriptive:biggrin: <br>I’ve no real problem when in comes to trainers and jockeys, doing their stuff and getting involved, even their offspring are more knowledgable than fag-ash(borrow us a fiver) dave in the bookies. <br>But it is more the same faces, especially as C4 and ATR are combined, add cross fertilization with the RP and we have all the investigitive journalism ( thinking about it is there any?) from the same sources.<br> When outsiders start, (panorama and that punch bag guy), headless chicken mode ensues and IMO, all our journalists seem to be pro, stopping them.<br>Ian ,<br>I like your approach, the best man for the job is correct, method for a business to follow.<br>Strangly feeling less paranoid now, the ham sandwich sends it love<br>Mike
OI Ian,
I know we concurred that Dicky Johnson is a muppet, but you’re treading on thin ice casting aspertions regarding my Claire. :o
You may not want to Ian but I sure do!
In fact I think I’ll have cheese on toast for supper tonight – that normally gets the old dream processes on the move! :)
I was at Aintree on Friday and stalked CB for a few minutes down by the saddling boxes. She appears to have dropped 2 dress sizes and looked positively sylph like – I sense a love interest, is she stepping out with some lucky suitor?
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The main reason that it is hard to break into "racing journalism" is because there are very few outlets and it is a shrinking market. Just look at the decline in the last 7/8 years or so:<br>Sporting Life – dead<br>Odds On – dead<br>Raceform on Saturday – dead<br>In the Know – dead<br>Sports Adviser – dead<br>The Weekender – freelancers sacked to make way for RP staffers
As for the dailies – dead men’s shoes – who said there are no jobs for life?
The only opportunity in recent years has been the ATR honeypot – how many presenters and pundits are on the payroll – and it’s only going out to 30,000 viewers – madness.
So folks it looks like "racing journalism" is a very small career opportunity indeed, and those left clinging to the remains are carving up the spoils for themselves. Best to stick to being an informed punter making a bit on the side of our normal jobs……
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