TRF 10th Anniversary – 21/12/10

[graysonscolumn]

‘Morning,

“The Racing Forum has been a home to passionate debate and intelligent discussion for horse racing enthusiasts since 2000.”

…enthuses the blurb on many of its pages, and indeed it has (and still is). I wonder how many people had clocked that its tenth birthday is still to come this year, though?

At 9.42pm on December 21st 2000, the late Craig Mitchell made himself a member of his own forum and with that theracingforum in the form we recognise it today was officially born.

Quite possible I’m just looking straight past it, of course, but I don’t think the Member List (which could be arranged according to date joined as well as other stuff like total posts) has been accessible since the last revamp, so I can’t tell you how many people had joined the likes of Craig (as Daylight), LRM, Jim JTS, etc. on TRF by the end of 2000, 2001, or whenever.

Suffice it to say, there’s an awful lot more of us on here nowadays, and long may the place prosper. Many of us owe it an incalculable debt of gratitude, be that professionally, intellectually, or socially (or any combination of those).

I can’t say I actually started this thread with much else in mind other than saluting the longevity of TRF, but on further thought I wonder if anyone has some ideas on how to celebrate this landmark more formally if they so wish. Reminiscences on certain posters and threads of yore? A poll of the all-time TRF highlights and lowlights? Just somewhere to say “happy 10th birthday, TRF”? Or something other?

Something to think on for now, at the very least.

gc

Jeremy Grayson. Son of immigrant. Adoptive father of two. Metadata librarian. Freelance point-to-point / horse racing writer, analyst and commentator wonk. Loves music, buses, cats, the BBC Micro, ale. Advocate of CBT, PACE and therapeutic parenting. Aspergers.

[Nathan Hughes]

http://www.clubpenguinfansite.com/forums/images/smilies/Party/smiley-channel.de_musik011.gif

We could throw a TRF party, but don’t let Mr Pilsen near the jukebox…..

Quite possible I’m just looking straight past it, of course, but I don’t think the Member List (which could be arranged according to date joined as well as other stuff like total posts) has been accessible since the last revamp, so I can’t tell you how many people had joined the likes of Craig (as Daylight), LRM, Jim JTS, etc. on TRF by the end of 2000, 2001, or whenever.

You have to click on the

‘Who is online’

function at the bottom of the forum and every now or then it might come up with next to someones name –

Viewing member profile

. Click on that and the old membership list comes up….

Gaelic Warrior Gold Cup Winner 2026

[graysonscolumn]

LOL at jukebox idea, Nathan. Mind, I had someone on Facebook describing one of my music links as "f*** awful" this week, so these things are always subject to someone’s choices upsetting some people some of the time!

gc

PS Yep, just got the Members List to appear using the method suggested. Many thanks! Gracious, haven’t we all been prolific these last 10 years…

Jeremy Grayson. Son of immigrant. Adoptive father of two. Metadata librarian. Freelance point-to-point / horse racing writer, analyst and commentator wonk. Loves music, buses, cats, the BBC Micro, ale. Advocate of CBT, PACE and therapeutic parenting. Aspergers.

[cormack15]

I had a reminder on my phone to go off next Wednesday Grays to remind me that the anniverarsy was imminent.

I wasnt around for the start of TRF (think I joined late 2002) so any reminiscing from those who were in at the outset would be good. Didnt it start out of the demise of the Channel 4 racing forum.

Anyway – you are right about the way it has affected lives. Certainly had a profound affect on mine.

The forum has changed a lot today. Many faces come and gone and many new ones still arriving.

I was thinking of some anniversary stuff Grays. Definitely an anniversary quiz and perhaps an anniversary competition. Details to follow.

[Mr. Pilsen]

http://www.clubpenguinfansite.com/forums/images/smilies/Party/smiley-channel.de_musik011.gif

We could throw a TRF party, but don’t let Mr Pilsen near the jukebox…..

I heard that!

http://yoursmiles.org/msmile/quarrel/m1315.gif

naughty

http://yoursmiles.org/msmile/quarrel/m1315.gif

[davidjohnson]

Don’t post as much as I used to here but a great place full of great racing minds and I’m sure I’m not alone in being ablke to advance a career in racing with the assistance and knowledge gained through these pages.

Well done to all, members past, present and future.

[Adrian]

I joined in December 2001, just before the first anniversary, after a positive write-up in Net Prophet in the Racing Post.

I only met Craig once, briefly, at Newmarket but his website certainly has given me lots of pleasure over the years with chat, quizes, competitions and of course the forum.

I don’t post as often as I should be I do appreciate all the work done by David (Cormack15) to keep it going after the sad loss of Craig.

There have been loads of great contributors over the years but one thing has stayed true throughout – that the forum is stronger and more important than any one member.

[gamble]

.. It has changed lives..

.. many faces come and gone

Two quotes from you that stretches my mind to the lost and fallen souls

‘Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, “Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.” I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent’” (Luke 15:3-7).

Gerald Seabird Zorro all lost in the mighty storm
of change
and the little bleater Razeen
put out in the c c c old once more
to lick ice with k k k en

Shouldn’t we welcome the next ten years
with a full enquiry into why and
where the lost sheep went ?
Demand a reprieve for the fallen
and the ending of the finality of death
with sensible timed sentences
in Siberia

fill your lungs
with pride
and lets here it
for the aints….

THE AINTS COME MARCHING HOME AGAIN
HURRAH HURRAH

[cormack15]

I often think of those things and days past Gamble. And when I think of sheep I also think of wolves and I also think of nourishment and shelter and growth, as any good shepherd might.

There are several categories of the lost and fallen –

Those such as Gerald (who I only single out as you mentioned him – there are others of similar ilk) who left us little choice but to force a ban. One or two who have been banned have had reprieves and are still regular posters (although clones of their original selves). I am 100% confident that we’ve acted fairly with people and always given them an opportunity to abide by the (very simple and straightforward) rules of the house. Those who went before my time I abide by the original decisions of Daylight, whose judgement I trust.

Then there are those who post less these days – you mention Zorro who was always a fleeting (but very welcome) presence and Colin (Seabird)- Colin keeps in touch and still posts occasionally.

Finally, those who have drifted away or have taken a decision that the changing face of TRF isnt for them (Jim perhaps being the highest profile of those). We cant be all things to all people I guess and, as things change, I suppose its inevitable that well lose a few people along the way.

We have more members, more members regularly visiting the site, more posting activity than ever, Big Races and Systems sections continue to thrive and, to my mind, we still have the best quality of debate on the key racing issues on any forum.

But- I know we can still do much better and I intend to make sure we do!!!

[Burroughhill]

I for one haven’t been around for more than 4 or 5 years, and I watch way less racing than I used to because my working hours have rapidly increased from 16 a week to 35, so I don’t post as much as I used to sadly. But I’m so happy I found this place. Everyone at work seems to spend their leisure time lapping up Corrie and/or X Factor etc. so it’s wonderul to have a place I can come to where people understand what racing’s all about, and why I get so emotional and excited about it all.
Huge thanks to the late, great Craig and to David for making it all possible and keeping it on track.

[Anonymous]

Slightly OT; but talking of

Gerald

, could I raise the mystery of the

Most Active in Last 5 Days

frame on the site, which has constantly been listing the following since I don’t know when:

The Ante-Post King
Posts: 2963

Gerald
Posts: 2532

Fist
Posts: 2021

Apologies if this query has been raised before!

[Himself]

I’m surprised Gerald even gets a word in edgeways between TAPK and Fist, our celebrated and loquacious brethern.

Gambling Only Pays When You're Winning

[gamble]

I will not add to the woe in here
as skies darken and the perfect storm rages
above Troy as the wooden horse is wheeled in
glistening in cats’n dogs

Mack I thank you for your
full reply but feel where you see
a wolf I see a sheep with
temporarily extended teeth.

I will return to the topic
of

death

on this forum
at a later darker hour
more suited to the opening
of the cadaver.

Reflecting on times of old,
Matron and Pewter helped
Daylight with the mechanisms
of setting up this forum.
Jim obviously was an original timepiece
who was once Alladin but after
six thousand six hundred red hand
rubbings got his genie to be A lad out !
I cannot think of any more
that old around.
Escorial, Zass and Nore are history
and well gone and Tooting is a blogger.

Any old names for new ?

[The Ante-Post King]

I’m surprised Gerald even gets a word in edgeways between TAPK and Fist, our celebrated and loquacious brethern.

Gerald could post,No question! It was his temperament that beat him,its no good trying to jump Bechers if you are afraid of falling Himself.I have stated on several occassions that you are one of the posters i have a quick peak at just to see what your thoughts are on a particular race,i respect your judgement! On the other hand if i want someone to stir up a debate i look to others who tend to string a bit more than a couple of sentances together! Thats you and i accept thats the way you are,i am to Robbie Williams what you are to Val Doonican! Fist is a mixture of Elton Johns tantrums and Liberace! A Camp coffee drinker! I prefer Blue Mountain myself!

[Author]

Posts