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So why schedule a programme with the race so late and run the risk? Instead of a lot of guff and fireworks they could have given themselves enough time to show the race, review it and then have highlights of the fireworks etc.
The message is clear if you want proper coverage watch Sky, ATR or RUK.
I read through the thread this morning, an interesting read and made me think about my approach. I use RPRs myself rather than Topspeed combined with course form. Well done on today’s winner it won nicely. One question, why do you rely on a tipster to point you towards a horse? As you said today was a case where your own judgement was better. Good luck.
deep, you obviously know the workings of the TV stations much better than me and I accept what you say as true.
However (you knew that was coming), Dubai pay a lot of money to C4 as well as the investment into the Carnival. They can surely not be happy about what happened. Also the planning, the races were running a few minutes late all day it was hardly a shock that the main event did so too. Surely they could have had contingencies for such an occurrence? If you plan a sports programme surely you leave time for the event and some review? I think this was sloppy broadcasting.
As for Lesley Graham. I am sure she is sincere but that does not make her a good presenter. Wooden and far too ingratiating. Too many sports journalists are too cosy and dependant on the good will of their sports’ main players. Racing is worse than most, she exemplifies it. She may be a very nice woman but that is not the same as a good presenter.
anthony seriously.
The conversation might have included, "We have put on a special show to cover the richest race in the world taking place in Dubai, sponsored by Dubai, our presenters accomodated by Dubai but not to worry we’ll hand over to a pre – recorded cookery show."
Other channels delay programmes for sports to complete, they are adaptable. That C4 did not was pathetic and an insult to their sponsors.I don’t think it’s quite so much a case of "attracting new viewers" as "catering to your audience". Most REAL racing fans and/or regular punters are going to subscribe to RUK or watch wall to wall ATR where there’s much more of the more detailed analysis they require. C4 racing caters to the casual Saturday afternoon sports fan who doesn’t just want to know about form, but wants to be entertained, and that’s what they do pretty well IMO.
If it’s so good why is it attracting such poor audiences and so little importance that they feel happy to leave the result of the race they are being paid to cover for an edition of Come Dine With Me?
I take your point about general sports fans but most of them are watching the football coverage on the BBC or Sky. The racing coverage falls between two stools, it seems to me.raymo61
I’m sure they think they are trying to attract new viewers but do we honestly believe that? People aren’t going to be attracted by buffoons and interviewers who spend all their time trying to chummy up and name drop. By going foe the lowest common denominator they achieve what? Annoying the true fan and attracting who? Are viewing figures going up for racing?
They are supposed to have rebranded yet what we have is just the same old stuff. A real change was needed with new, up to date presenters rather than more of ho ho ho and Lesley Graham.I enjoy them and occasionally win, eg the first day at Cheltenham. But then get frustrated like the Thursday when I put Tranquil Sea as my banker rather than Poquelin and get everything else right, pay out £2k+. Same yesterday everything except one place in the Cammidge. It’s a form of self flagellation but a fun way if there’s nothing outstanding on the card.
Other channels manage to bend the time slot to accomodate extra time, running over or whatever, all it needed was 2 or 3 minutes. As Dubai sponsors the coverage I’d have thought they might just have been willing to give that.
As for the presenters, no other sport on TV has such compliant and weak fronts people. There are a few gems such as Stevenson and Luck but can you imagine other sports being interested in the likes of Graham, Thompson or Plunkett?
It certainly was not a good ride, he made a mistake in switching inside. However, even that might not have made much difference as the winners in most races there today were pacemaking or up with the pace, the straight is quite short and doesn’t offer much help for hold up horses round the tight turn. And today the curse suited those up there near the front. It would have been difficult for Presvis to win, I backed it but don’t think the jockey was to blame.
Just saw this thread and ut brought back all those nightmares and trauma I suffered after the French race. I’ll be suing you
It was Hugh Taylor’s pick this morning, and invariably, all of his picks get supported in the market.
Not so much recently due to his poor run. The price had dropped before his column was up.
I think it’s down to the going. What chance of ‘GOOD’ as the one I like needs that. Anyone live in Doncaster?
Heavy rain forecast, and I read that the CoC has watered!
I’m amazed at Ewart. I have been to the yard and talked with him and hold him in high regard,to the extent at looking at getting involved in a horse there. The yard know the time of day with handicaps and horses they fancy are well supported. Nevertika was today. After the horse bolted and went through the rail I couldn’t believe he let it run. I mean he was there, leading the horse back to race. I got the impression he was angry with Harry Haynes so maybe he lost his head, I don’t know. But in fairness to the horse as well as the punters who had supported it (including the yard’s supporters) he got it very very wrong.
Well I’ll provide the dissenting voice then. I agree about the McGrath pieces they were a welcome change form the dross which C4 serves up. They treat those who watch the show with the lowest common denominator treatment. They seem to feel that they are ever seeking to attract new viewers rather than providing intelligent coverage for those who do. Too many presenters who would never be good enough in any other sport, Lesley Graham, Alice Plunkett et al. They have some good people in Tanya Stevenson, Nick Luck and McGrath but don’t allow them the chance to provide intelligent pieces often enough.
I’d rather watch the RUK or ATR coverage any day depsite their rather obvious failings too.
