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I think with how the handicapper slightly compresses the weights then horses of the class of Denman would have an excellent chance in the National. Personally, I would be all over Halcon Genelardais, even more so if Denman turned up. Halcon would surely be in receipt of 10lbs from Denman and given how well he lumps weight around, he’d think he’s running loose off 11-2 or so. Staying would be no problem and jumping isn’t bad either. But not one for ante post, even allowing for the better odds likely to be available.
And once I realised you could avoid actual work by backing a sufficient number of winners, I was hooked for life. Who wants to work for a lifetime and keel over two weeks after getting the boot and a gold watch? Not in this life.
I take it you are a pro punter then Max?
Unfortunately, 99% of people on here have too many commitments to make that happen, especially in the current economic climate. I thought about trying pro punting but here’s the problem. I have no cash! I have mass student loans, I have a mortgage, I have a girlfriend with whom I share my house. I cant risk following my dream as much as I’d love too and so I am stuck in a 9-5. Like most racing fans I suspect.
Sorry Maxilon, I am not saying we give up on racing. Not by a long shot. Perhaps, like Graeme says its just the case that the sport isn’t as marketable as others. Just in general terms, how many people who are into horse racing (like on this site) were interested in racing from a young age, ie 12? How many 12 year olds are into football? Into Motor racing? Into Rugby? etc.
Not disputing we need star names, big clashes, etc.
Anyway as we all like Racing we are perhaps the wrong people to be having this conversation! If we could all convert one mate to racing then that would be a success!!! ie one football team mate!
With regards to attracting new interest in racing then I dont think the jockey, or even the horse in some instances, makes a blind bit of difference.
Growing up I was probably one of only a couple kids in my school who had any interest in racing. And its not an easy sport to market to youngsters when it is in essence a gambling sport appealing to over 18’s for legal reasons.
If its more numbers wanted into our racetracks then I think the friday night disco nights in the summer prove that its the extras away from the racing that help attract greater numbers.
I have a twin brother. He just doesn’t understand and never has understood why I like/liked racing. But he enjoys a lads day at the races now and again as its a social event with some excitement thrown in. He will never be a racing fan so to be honest I dont think having extra publicity of horses and jockeys matters one little bit.
I think its harsh on Daryl to get jocked off…if i owned any horse I would always display loyalty. Clearly Daryl has a connection with the horse.
However, I aint paying the bills so the owner is entitled to do whatever he wants.
idont wish loads of winners…just the right winners! plenty of 8-1+ winners would be goos…especially if in combo bets.
Otherwise I want the great Inglis Drever to come off the bridle coming down the hill and look beat and then lead in the last stride to nail Punchestowns!
Everyone is making good points but surely the main point is this:-
Without Channel4 racing (regardless of who is presenting) there would be no racing left on terrestial tv! The bbc have sold racing down the pan in favour of rowing or other crap! You need a mixture of panellists/presenters on the programme to appeal to all. So you need a thommo/down, a francome/fitzgerald, a female/big mac. Cover presenting, ex jockey and betting. remember not all viewers are punters looking for winners that they are going to invest large sums on, just some entertainment about racing!
As a kid i watched any and all racing on tv as i loved it. it wasn’t about who presented it! I always remembered the horses and races not the presenters!
For the record, I like Stewart Machin, Richard Hoiles, John Francome, Jim McGrath, Mike Cattermole, hate Thommo, Tanya Stevenson, Graham Goode.
But its all about the horses.
