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PS. I thought Ryan Moore gave USAR way too much to do and then had to weave his way through traffic. I understand about having to reserve a horse’s energy and keeping him calm until the moment is right to strike, but a jockey also has to ensure he is in the right position to strike.
Luck plays a part – and I suppose the O’Brien tactics were probably to keep him out the back. But it was hard to see how he could win from there unless he was a world-beater.
Any views on the camber factor? We keep on hearing in commentary that horses can’t handle the camber. I’m wondering why they built one into the home straight. It seems to ruin finishes with horses unable to run straight. If they have the inside rail they do OK, but outside of that it becomes a lottery.
My take on the Derby finish was that US Army Ranger was hanging badly towards Harzand when trying to overtake him (probably unsettled by the camber). They just avoided touching and this seemed to take the wind out of USAR’s sails.
Is it that difficult to build a course which has level ground in the final couple of furlongs? Can’t see the advantage of having a camber. What’s the point?
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Ta. One other thought – are we still going to be able to thank people for useful contributions? Can’t see any ‘thanks’ option at the moment.
Not really a design thing, but maybe offer a prize for best post/topic of the week/month/year? Perhaps a free bet would be in order.
Also, just a minor thing, but the smilies could do with an update/bigger choice.
Not sure a boycott would work – there would not be enough people taking part to make a real difference to the powers-that-be.
However, I’m with Woolf121 when he points out there appears to be a lot wrong with the sport and it needs much tougher policing.
Here are a few questions – please provide answers if you have them.
1. How often are horses tested for drugs? Is this done at the racecourse or at the stables?
2. If I have a big meal before going for a run, my running is guaranteed to be dreadful. Is this element of the sport regulated – ie. overly feeding/underfeeding a horse before he or she races? Similarly, if a horse is not given enough to drink he will be dehydrated and not perform so well.
3. Does the BHA or A N Other regulator monitor betting by stables and those connected with stables? Why should trainers and their friends be able to make money from the knowledge a horse is likely to win/has no chance while the rest of us bet without this knowledge?
I was at a meeting recently and got into a lift with someone who part-owned one of the horses due to race next. He was told by the trainer (a household name) not to back the horse as he had little to no chance of winning (the horse was favourite at the time). The rest of us at the meeting and punters around the country did not have the benefit of this inside knowledge. The horse was duly beaten.
4. I think too much attention is focused on jockeys and not enough on trainers. Jockeys are blamed for poor rides or not trying hard enough to win or place – but they are only following instructions. Human error will always play a part and the well-worn excuses of ground/had a tough previous race/nailed by the handicapper etc are all legitimate sometimes.
The 1970s trainer Ken Payne wrote a book about how he had landed a series of big gambles on races after giving his horses drugs to improve their performances. He hinted that this practice could be widespread.
What measures have been taken to ensure punters are protected from this kind of race manipulation by trainers today?
I think we need to strike a balance between some healthy scepticism about the motives of some people in the sport and being keen to uphold its integrity.
Very sorry to learn of this. I backed him, but was out during the day and only just found out what happened.
I was in a bar at Huntingdon racecourse when Strongbows Legend fell and one bloke cheered and did a mini-jig in celebration. Maybe this was the owner. It seemed like a particularly crass thing to do because the horse was lying helpless on the ground and obviously in a lot of trouble.
I wasn’t aware that Tiny Tenor had gone as well. Very sad.
I was at the course and saw this happen. It was a horrible moment. The horse pulled up in the final furlong and was left there stumbling for a while. Then it collapsed with a broken leg and the screens came round.
Most people seemed oblivious to the incident and no comment was made by the course announcer. The vet arrived with the ‘horse ambulance’ and after five minutes the scene was cleared and everyone got back to boozing and betting.
Sad for any horse, but especially for one so young.
race form interactive, list all the public sale information, however if sold privately it is a guessing game. ( you never know if the horses was just a means to an ends) if it is a flat horse i can look it up for you. I am not sure if proform hold that kind of data, likely.
Thanks for the offer. I might take you up on it. I remember a maiden race around six months ago. A horse had done nothing on two runs, but it had been bought as a yearling for big money. It was long odds and promptly romped home first. The fact that it was a big money purchase was only mentioned afterwards, but would have been a significant pointer if it was stated in previews of the race.
Useful information for all runners in maiden races, in fact.Assuming you know the dam and was a public sale, info is available on RPs Bloodstock site
Thanks for the tip about the site – I was not aware of it previously.
Young Joseph – who I think is talented but raw – gave Ruler of the World far too much to do. But he appeared to have him in the right position with two furlongs to go. There just wasn’t any gas left by then.
He should have been up with the pace a lot earlier. Never understand why jockeys give leaders 20 lengths and expect them to fall away. What’s wrong with keeping them within 5-10 lengths, then making your move?
I think Joseph became his dad’s main jockey far too early. He needed to be No2 for a year or two and learn from more experienced race tacticians.
Off the mark slightly, but just watch Spencer on Feyhadi in the 4-25. Now that was bad ride and one that must be backed next time hopefully with a decent jockey on.
That was how to lose a race.
The stewards inquired and this is from the BHA website "Jamie Spencer, the rider of FEHAYDI, unplaced, reported that the colt was denied a clear run"
Denied or did he purposely find trouble. Watch and make up your mind.
I have made up mind.Hmm. See what you mean. Just looked at the video. A great example of how not to win a race – leave yourself behind a wall of horses, then try too late in the day to weave a way through.
