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No idea. Twenty years ago Timeform was of some value. Today there are lots of alternative sources of racing data much better that the dinosaur from Halifax.
Because they could then integrate Timeform’s database into their website and become a one-stop shop for betting and form analysis and not lose traffic to the RP and their rival betting options.
Try getting some hard facts on the performance of Timeform ratings. If you are lucky you’ll see how poor they are.
A takeover might breathe new life into Timeform, whether it’s by Betfair, or someone else.
My impression is that it’s got rather tired over the last 10 years or so.
Could Betfair know something regarding the RP’s intention of becoming a user pays system that has not been announced officially?
Timeform seems tired and outdated – they haven’t moved the business forward with the speed that technological change has required. Perhaps not the fault of those working there as perhaps the investment hasn’t been available.
If they are to survive however they will need to move on from the standard fare which, while it has served them well in the past, now seems very dry and droll. <br> <br>I have no knowledge of the politics/people involved, so I could be way off in this, but I would have thought they would be an ideal takeover target for the RP itself? Certainly if they thought someone else was sniffing around.
That said – if the ‘Racehorses’ series is ever at threat surely the government would step in? <br>
I remain a fan of Timeform Perspective.
Last season I thought I’d try and just use the Racing Post (paper and online) and it worked so well that this season I’m back subscribing to Timeform!
As a long time subscriber to Computer Timeform and before that the Perspective I really couldn’t care less if Betfair put the day-of-race ratings up for all to see but would be thoroughly cheesed off if they made the database and it’s associated giga-bytes of commentary public domain as it’s these race/horse commentaries that are TF’s chief (only?) asset and IMO remain pretty much in a league of their own; at least compared to the alternatives I’ve looked at. Remain more than happy to pay a monkey per annum for it.
Feel a twinge of regret that Brother Bull’s commune are selling out but that’s progess I’m told. Just sincerely hope BF don’t bugger things up for, or ignore the wishes of, the long term loyal subscriber.
Try getting some hard facts on the performance of Timeform ratings. If you are lucky you’ll see how poor they are.
—————————————————————————–<br>Interesting, Wallace. So if, for example, you were to put top-rated horses on Timeform ratings in the National Press Challenge box in th RP, where would Timeform be placed? Near the bottom, or near the top?
You clearly have an extensive knowledge of the performance of Timeform ratings for you to be able to tell us they perform so poorly. It would be good if you could enlighten us.
Quote: from Bosra Shambles on 12:58 pm on Nov. 28, 2006[br] <br>You clearly have an extensive knowledge of the performance of Timeform ratings for you to be able to tell us they perform so poorly. It would be good if you could enlighten us.<br>
<br>Aye, c’mon Wallace, spill the beans
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<br> Sale completed; according to the Sporting Life website.
I was recently in a William Hill shop and they had integrated Timeform ratings into the betting shows on screen, along with leaflets to explain to customers how to ‘use the ratings’. I don’t know whether this was a lasting experiment or merely a last ditch attempt to discourage the attentions of Betfair.
If you look at the results year to date on a certain relay line for a wide range of tipsters (allbets) you will find Timeform in the top 10 of ca. 140 pro or semi pro tipping providers, comfortably ahead of Pricewise, the Four Horsemen and all the big name private tipsters. (131% return on turnover!).<br>Although I know the data may not be 100% reliable it certainly indicates that Timeform know what they are about.
Don’t seem that poor on that evidence.
Betfair is struggling against the inside information supremacy of Britain’s big three bookmakers and an alliance with Timeform is logical. Expect more of the same.
Welcome to the forum Alan.
Puzzled here – why would betfair have any interest in inside info – given that they broker betting transactions rather than particpate? Also – how would the acquisition of Timeform help in that regard anyhow?
Just received this missive from Halifax:
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"Timeform and Betfair, both world-renowned leaders in their field, have reached a mutual decision that, to develop the businesses further, a combination of the two companies’ interests is the best way forward.
Timeform becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary of Betfair, continuing on a day-to-day basis as it has done for nearly sixty years, with no significant changes to its products and services.
Operating from its Halifax base, Timeform will retain editorial independence and continue much as before, although Betfair will bring capital investment, as well as technology, marketing and communication skills.
As well as being an invaluable guide to winner-finding, Timeform ratings have long been recognised by professionals worldwide as the definitive measurement of thoroughbred merit. The links with Betfair can only help to consolidate Timeform’s name and reputation.
Users of Timeform are more than customers; many are long-standing members of a fanatical readership which expects the highest standards. Those standards, along with Timeform’s editorial independence and impartiality, are part of a rich heritage.<br>None of that will change in the exciting times ahead.
Reg Griffin, chairman of Timeform, said, "The partnership with Betfair, a company which shares our principles of integrity and trust, will open new outlets for Timeform’s unique content, securing the brand both at home and internationally. In the modern era of technology and new media platforms, this is just the impetus needed to ensure that Timeform continues long into the future and remains the premium brand in horseracing form and ratings."
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Just so long as the "new outlets" don’t include a free to view Perspective/Black Book/Database for the zillions of Betfair users, sounds AOK to me.
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(Edited by Drone at 3:45 pm on Nov. 30, 2006)
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