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2 days there and 2 days on TV for me each year. Love it as much as ever. I did 4 days there a couple of times and it started to hurt
I think the BBC is very uncomfortable with the National, they were slated regarding the fatalities last year (though of course this being mainly from the Daily Mail – they would have been slated whatever they did). However, they give it the big build up, following a horse in The One Show, only for it to be put down does nothing to help the sport in the minds of the casual viewer. Everything these days is aimed at family viewing, in the 70’s and 80’s Men went to sport (or watched it on TV) and the Women went shopping. These days the Men go shopping too so the whole Saturday afternoon thing has waned, hence you now get Rugby internationals, FA Cup Semis (and soon to be the Final) kicking off at 5.30 etc. Once racing was a regular part of Grandstand, losing the racing essentially made that programme defunct. Nothing to sit between Football Focus and the main live event.
It will be a shame from the heritage point of view, but I’m not too bothered. I’d rather less viewers who were fans of the sport and knowledgeable about it watch it on C4 than the once a year wonders who place their annual 10p on some hapless mule only to get their knickers in a twist and demand the sport be banned when they see something they don’t likeA real star has left the world, and the world of racing is poorer for it. He leaves us with fantastic memories and a great legacy
RIP Ginger
I think Dirty Des at C5 will be more likely to go for F1, I don’t think C4 do a bad job with racing, it’s pretty fast moving but i prefer it that way. I think if the BBC ever got hold of Cheltenham again, C4 would jack it in all together
Lee was BBC Radio’s main man for a few years after Peter Bromley retired, I don’t know why he left
I always have a punt on The Open, not sure on who yet, any suggestions are most welcome
J A McGrath in his pomp is probably the best caller i’ve heard in 30+ years of following the sport. I didn’t hear him today so can’t comment. If he is struggling then it’s probably best to go with the band still playing, he still has a lot to offer racing in print media
Simon who did you like listening to growing up? For me it was John Penney and Raliegh Gilbert on ITV and of course Sir Peter on the BBC as well. Brommers on the radio was also good value. Peter Jones and John Arlott also get mentions from me for their football and cricket work respectively, both were outstanding "picture painters".
On racing, all of those you mention plus a few Australians I have referred to above. In other sports, David Coleman was a marvellous commentator whether it be on football or athletics. On Boxing, Harry Carpenter on television or John Rawling on the radio. I am just old enough to remember Henry Longhurst, and Brian Johnston was a joy to listen to on Test Match Special.
Five Live has gone largely the same, it’s football (and premier league football at that) all the way. My lowly League 2 effort get the occasional mention. I am guessing with all the cuts keeping Match of The Day, Wimbledon, The Open and the Olympics will be their priority. There’s not much money in the pot for much else. They only have international Rugby Union games, the club game outside Wales and Northern Ireland has gone. I know they thought Grandstand had it’s day but for the casual punter it was worthwhile.
We live in different times I guess but as long as C4 keep going we should be okSpencer to me never comes over as pleasant, he’s alwasys a bit offish. Tommo fawning all over Lee Westwood was a bit OTT before, I think Lee was superb though
Yes, i’ve seen RUK coverage, I always go to Cheltenham in March and the pub we use has it on before and after we go to the course. Due to our location, satellite reception isn’t great I am told, though the local pub gets it. I can only really watch racing on a Saturday afternoon so wouldn’t really want to subscribe (though i’m off injured at the moment so it would be nice)
