[Ken(West Derby)]

In response to Fist: One possible reason the media have not been up in arms about it is that, since the very public humiliation and ex-communication of Matt C. from our screens, journalists and presenters are even more wary of voicing their true feelings about suspicious riding tactics; especially if it results in a potential lawsuit, a public apology and loss of one’s job. The covert words they now use are, "that was a strange ride" or "maybe the jockey knew he didn’t have a lot left in the tank" or "the horse didn’t seem to want to go past"

[Ken(West Derby)]

Fist of Fury wrote: I’m interested to have at least one experienced person who has sat on a racehorse to tell us how would they have ridden the horse?
Not sure if this qualifies, Fist, but I had a friend who owned a youngish ex-racehorse, called Classic something or other; ran only three times, latterly favourite at Lingfield with Neil Callan aboard and virtually last of six. Subsequently sold for peanuts and just for hacking. I tried sitting on it one day and the brute turned quickly, kicked out its hind legs hitting me full in the stomach and lifting me about a foot off the ground. Another inch and it would have been a heart stopper. So though I’ve never actually ridden a racehorse, if I was JP my advice to L’ami’s rider would have been:- "Just make sure the two of you get back in one piece. Don’t worry that I’ve got 100K on the favourite – it’s only money and I’m loaded."

[Ken(West Derby)]

We indulge in so many criticisms of horses on here I thought it only fair to even things up slightly. Tongue in cheek thread, I’m afraid.

[Ken(West Derby)]

Call the RSPCA if you choose, but when my money is down I expect the jockey to whip the brains out of the animal. No, I don’t mean that; in fact, of late, I seem to have noticed more jockeys tending towards a windmill approach to whipping which I thought was frowned upon. If my memory serves me right Davey Condon seems to be an exponent of this style.

[Ken(West Derby)]

Sorry Fist, I got it wrong with my "pathetic post" about the jocks wangling for the trifecta. Of course, it was a handicap, so they must have been after the tricast.
The finish was not unlike those at Lucksin Downs, where the virtual jockey on the outsider stands up in the stirrups looking behind until the favourite sweeps by to nod him on the line.

[Ken(West Derby)]

Watching the race unfold in the latter stages, I had slightly different thoughts to earlier posts. The impression I got was that the first two jockeys were trying to manouvre the finish to enable the other McManus horse to get third place, thus resulting in a nice little Trifecta. I’m not sure did it end up 1st, 2nd and 4th place for J.P.?

[Ken(West Derby)]

"underscore" wrote: Guilty as charged Ken. If you had watched Racing UK on Monday you might just have seen me in the winners enclosure…. :D

Along with the other 2,000 syndicate members?

[Ken(West Derby)]

Thanks for your replies. Much appreciated. It certainly gives the forum a bit of Kudos, I think. But then again, I’m not so sure. It reminds me of a situation many years ago when I was invited to give a lunchtime talk to a Rotary Club. I remember my elderly Mother telling me to wear my old school tie because "they’ll be very posh people there". And my response being, "You must be joking Mum, half of them are second-hand car salesmen and the other half are made up of double glazing salesmen, bookies and investment consultants". I suppose it’s much the same in racing. But all the same, we’re all in it together – searching for that elusive eternal happiness that we delude ourselves comes from having immense wealth, a Derby winner or a foolproof system.
Cheers

[Ken(West Derby)]

Good point Mr. Wilson. Admittedly, at the time, I also thought that the guy in question must have had a nice touch on the winner and the adrenalin rush had brought on a nicotine craving. Been there myself. Oh well, at least the thread is helping towards my Listed status. Only joking, I’m quite happy to be a solid handicapper.
Cheers

[Ken(West Derby)]

This is the first time I’ve seen a photo accompanying a written post on this forum. I’m not sure if it’s been a regular feature in the past? Appreciate that, in this instance, it’s relevant to the words but I’m unsure as to whether photos would be a good or a bad thing in general here. I can think of examples when it might be interesting but then some will start posting video clips of jockeys being unseated or tanned broadcasters shouting Heeehawwww! Any comments please?

[Ken(West Derby)]

Good news, folks. Further to my earlier post. Ladbrokes subsequently agreed to a pay-out on my mis-timed dog forecast bet. They’re all heart.
Thought Luke Morris was strong in a finish with Theonebox at Wolverhampton yesterday. It saved my bacon. Is N. Vaughan the trainer connected to Michael Owen? I think both might be running into a bit of form.

[Ken(West Derby)]

From a betting angle, I imagine if more punters are hesitant in backing his mounts then perhaps those who persevere with him are more likely to get better value for money on whatever he’s riding. I was wondering though, do bookies initially price-up solely on the potential of the horse or do they also take into consideration the current form of the jockey?

[Ken(West Derby)]

Hope you continue to post. If you do get criticism on here try not to get drawn into personalities. Remember, the pen is mightier than the sword. The cut and thrust of your words can leave your opponents screaming for mercy. Think in terms of a race. There’ll be those anxious to get to the front, others will take your ground and squeeze you onto the rails. Be patient, watch the race unfold in front of you and move smoothly into the lead just on the line. Failing that, do a Dean McKeown.

[Ken(West Derby)]

Fair enough Equitrack and Rob North. It was obviously an error on my part to post the thread I did. In future, I’ll give more thought to your sensitivities before posting. On the other hand…… perhaps not.
It appears to me that you would rather not read anything that impinges on your own views/desires; whilst I disagree with this covert form of censorship, perhaps I should succumb to your seniority in terms of length of membership.
I, am Sirs,
Your humble apprentice

[Ken(West Derby)]

Carvishill:-
One possible explanation might be that the original thread has gone off-road and someone wants to begin a variation on a theme. For example, as you say, the original thread was boring you, so to stimulate fresh thoughts or news someone is inspired to think differently. If we took your argument to its logical conclusion we might as well shut up shop now because everything that appears on here has been said before in one form or another just with different names, different places, different words. It’s what makes the world go round. Remember you were a newbie once and weren’t you chuffed to see your first threads appearing, probably covering topics that someone else had touched on at some stage or other.
I hope you’re not one of these drivers who swear and beep your horn when you’re stuck behind ‘L’ plates?

[Ken(West Derby)]

Bosranic: Who had the best tan? Matt or his lady? It’s good to know he’s alive and kicking.

[Ken(West Derby)]

Fist of Fury: Your experience showed with yesterday’s selections – imagine you’ll be pretty high in the league table when it appears. It was good to read about the inter-jockey banter. Perhaps I’ve been overly- sensitive as to how jockeys must feel when things aren’t going to plan. Maybe they see it as just a bad day at the office one day and tomorrow
is a new dawn. As an outsider, I’m always interested to read about ex-jockeys, valets, owners etc. anecdotes. So if anyone has anything to share about their racing/riding experiences, humour, etc. I’d much appreciate a thread. Cheers.

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