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Gingertipster wrote…Thankyou all for reading, won’t bore you any further.
Oh, come on Gingertipster, just because you always seem to lose the argument please don’t resign from the Forum.
After all, if you leave, who else can we be certain of winning the argument with? Besides which, we need members like you to sustain our egos when we’ve had a bad day at the races.
It’s not as if you’re always boring is it? I mean sometimes your points are worth a second glance and whenever I’ve got absolutely nothing else to do and life seems quite meaningless I can always count on your contributions for brightening my day by helping me to realise that I could be far worse off.
Don’t worry about boring us because it’s not as if we expect you to be interesting and entertaining is it? Just put it down to the fact that we feel obliged to do our bit for Care in the Community and, after all, it must make you feel loved and respected. So, cheer up Ginge, one of these days you might surprise us and write a really worthwhile thread.
Cheers,
Your forum ‘friend’
KenIt’s to be hoped that, unlike some flat races last year, the National doesn’t result in a tight photo finish with Jim calling the wrong horse as crossing the line first. If in doubt, say nowt Jim, otherwise your error will be broadcast to millions of viewers across the globe.
It’s just a sad fact of life that, for most of us anyway, as we get older the brain is not as sharp as it once was and there’s a tendency for the thoughts not to be in synchronisation with the words. Added to this is the stress of being aware of the slowing down which only serves to make matters worse.
As with footballers, perhaps his manager needs to make the hard decision to persuade Jim that his talents might be better served in another role. Difficult choices.
Similarly, as Cormack alluded to yesterday, the once-great Peter Alliss is not the voice of vitality and freshness he once portrayed.
The seasons are a changin’ ……How much does it cost to purchase an average dog and do training fees vary, please, Ugly Mare?
wilson1 asked… what exactly are they looking for…
Wheelbraces, wilson. For too long now Southerners have been coming up to Liverpool and pinching car wheels and we scousers have been getting the blame.
So Knowhere’s going nowhere this weekend. Seems that Gingertipster got his wish; though in terms of fruitful threads this has been something of an anti-climax. A 0 – 0 draw though a moral victory for the pro-Knowhere camp, I do believe.
Despite having Mon Mome last year, the odds are clearly stacked against him this time. For starters what are the odds on two consecutive National wins, regardless of ability? Enormous, I reckon. Secondly, what are the odds on getting a dream run on the inside again. Hugely unlikely to get the same breaks again. I’ll be surprised if he’s in the first five.
Nick Baker wrote…H’ed be a lay in my book
I think he’s had enough lays for one year, Nick. He needs to concentrate on his golf. So back off for now old chap, please.
Hi David,
Sorry, I’m not in the market for the tickets but you’ve reminded me of last year’s Aintree experience, thanks to your generosity. Which in turn reminded me of a runner from last year who I had down as a future winner at that venue. Game on this year, perhaps? If that is the case, my very best wishes.
KBlog, a reflection of yourself Sean? Smooth and sophisticated with plenty of promise!
TAPK wrote..Long may they continue to support the infra structure the rest of us depend on!
I’m quite happy to be subsidising your lifestyle TAPK. You’ve long been a charity case from what I hear and my philanthropic ideals often extend to the underclasses in society. I just hope that you appreciate all that I do for you.
KWallace wrote…Unless you have a specific Niche which ….
So, no doubt, your National horse has got to be Niche Market, eh Wallace?
Thanks for putting up the Greyhound Section so speedily Corm. Is the facility for posting there on its way please? I was thinking of starting it off with:-
Brief History of the Greyhound
Centuries of breeding have resulted in the most remarkable breed of dog known to man ~ the Greyhound. The Greyhound’s streamlined body is that of the ultimate canine athlete, which has not significantly deviated since ancient times. Greyhound or Greyhound-like canines have appeared throughout the centuries in artistry, pottery, literature, and within the tombs of the ancient pyramids. The exact historical origin of the Greyhound is unknown. Its origin has been thought to be Africa, Greece, Middle East, or Turkey. We do know that the Greyhound’s historical lineage is greatly rooted in ancient history dating back thousands of years, making the Greyhound the oldest purebred canine. Some say the Greyhounds date back over 4,000 years ago.
Throughout time Greyhounds have been bred for one thing ~ speed. Greyhounds are a member of the sighthound family and primarily hunt by eyesight, as opposed to other canines, which use scent. Greyhounds have the ability to see distances up to ½ mile away. Another characteristic of the sighthound is the instinct to chase. Greyhounds are noted for reaching speeds up to 45 mph in three strides. Collectively, throughout history these attributes made the Greyhound an excellent and well-adapted hunter.
There is much speculation as to the origin of the name “Greyhound”. Contrary to what some may think, the word Greyhound does not come from their color. In fact, there is no real “gray” Greyhound. The closest thing to “gray” is a “blue” or “steel” color, and actually it is not very common. Some believe it stems from the word “gazehound”, which is another word for sighthound. Other possibilities include from the word “Graius” or “Grecian” meaning Greek, the Latin word “ gracillius” meaning slender or slim, the old British word “grech” or “greg”, meaning dog, or “hundr”, meaning hunter. Whereas, others assert the name simply implies “great hound”.
Regardless of their exact lineage and name derivation, Greyhounds are one of the most unique breeds in the world, recognized for their elegant appearance, grace, gentleness, agility, and speed. The sight and silhouette of a Greyhound running, full speed, muscles contracted, legs stretched is a rare beauty in respect to the rest of the canine world. These remarkable creatures have been a symbol of pride and respect for many great civilizations. The following are just some of the impressions the Greyhound has made throughout history.
The first evidence of long, lean canines resembling the Greyhound appeared in temple drawings in the city of Catal-Huyuk in Turkey. The temple drawings dating back to 6000 BC depict a Greyhound-like canine assisting a hunter.
Around 4000 BC, now Iran, a funerary vase was made and beautified with the depictions of Greyhound-like canines.
Greyhounds were the most valuable possession of the Egyptian Pharaohs, adored for their speed, grace, elegance, and loyalty. Cleopatra and King Tutankhamen had Greyhounds. Figures of the Pharaoh’s Greyhounds were often carved into the walls of their tombs or mummified along side their masters. In ancient Egypt, the birth of a Greyhound was often second in importance to the birth of a son. Entire families would mourn the passing of a Greyhound by shaving their heads, fasting, and weeping out loud.
The first mention of any canine breed in literature dated back around 800 BC. In Greek literature, a book called “The Odyssey” told a story of a man named Odysseus who left home for 20 years. When he arrived home, the only one who recognized him was his Greyhound “Argus”, who was only a puppy when he left home.
The Greyhound is the only canine breed to be mentioned in The Bible, Proverbs 30: 29-31.
During the Middle Ages, Greyhounds nearly became extinct due to famine and disease. Fortunately, priests and clergymen took special care to protect the Greyhounds, and later bred them for nobleman.
Around the year 900, the King of Wales ordered that the punishment for the killing of a Greyhound was the same for the killing of a human ~ death.
In the year 1014, King Canute enacted the Forest Laws, stating only persons of nobility were permitted to own a Greyhound.
In Britain, Greyhounds were appreciated for their well-adapted ability to hunt and course. Also, in Britain the ownership of a Greyhound was a symbol of pride and nobility. Hence, the popularity of the Greyhound grew very popular among the elite.
Greyhounds eventually made their way to the United States in the late 1800’s to help control the jack rabbit population. In 1912, marked the birth of the mechanical lure. It was not too long after the first track opened in 1919 in Emeryville, California. In the years to come, Greyhound racing would flourish as a spectator sport.
The modern day Greyhound still retains all the attributes that made it so treasured throughout the centuries. Greyhounds are known for their gentleness, patience, and sensitivity. They have personalities that tend to want to please their families and a tendency to bond deeply with their family. Greyhounds are one of the most loyal companions. They are extremely intelligent and have the ability to acclimate to their new home very quickly. Greyhounds are very clean and do not have a “doggy” odor like most other canines. Some can live in harmony with other pets such as birds, cats, small animals, and other exotic pets.
Greyhounds make the most wonderful family companion and are good with well- mannered, considerate children. Sharing your life with a Greyhound will change your life in every way. They will provide you with a lifetime of enrichment. Through proper care, love, understanding, patience, and encouragement a Greyhound will learn to trust, love you, and form a bond so strong it will last a lifetime. Despite their previous life as a racer, Greyhounds have become valued, beloved members of the family.
(With acknowledgement to http://www.greyhoundexpressions.org) which concerns itself with the welfare of retired greyhounds.
KenFollowing months and months of agonising over every last detail and in the hope that NTD can pull off an incredible Gold Cup and National double my selection is:-
BEAT THE BOYS
to lead from pillar to post.I was up the A4071 on Saturday, Ebaying. One and only bidder at 99pence saving myself a couple of hundred. Felt sorry for the guy who failed to put up a reserve price.
The A38? What’s there, Max? The back of beyond.
I’m based midway Newmarket, Huntington and Cottenham these days. I prefer the gentler life now that I’m a country squire.
K