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Completely agree with The Young Fella following the AW programme can certainly be interesting, entertaining and rewarding and it’s not beset by the current curse of turf flat racing: endless non-runners.
I’m convinced that Ricky has his tongue very firmly in his cheek when commenting that he’d prefer C4 to stop broadcasting racing. We all have views about how well or otherwise the dedicated terrestrial channel covers our sport, but putting personal preferences aside, racing fans don’t do that badly from the network output available. The very last thing I’d want C4 to consider is a withdrawal!
Looks like the whole field went wrong as you say, but impossible to see which course they should have taken. No flags waved or other help to alert jockeys. Maybe these incidents have been happening with some regularity over the years, but before satellite raving TV, YouTube etc they didn’t get the attention. No doubt that these types of cross country races are difficult for jockeys and I can see why several of our leading riders give them a miss and so avoid the risk of taking the wrong course and the inevitable lengthy suspensions that would follow.
My understanding regarding the riding arrangements for Jim & Fitri Hay’s horses is that Jim Crowley is now called on to ride most of them. Jamie Spencer had a retainer with the Hays, but this ceased when his Qatar job began, although he had ridden for them a fair amount when available since then. So I wasn’t surprised that Spencer didn’t ride Horsted Keynes in his races since Ascot. Maybe they will be reunited at some point, I hope so.
No need for me to revise my opinion of the Spencer ride on Horsted Keynes at Ascot. It was outstanding jockeyship to achieve that second place and subsequent runs confirm for me that hold up tactics are essential for this tricky horse if he is ever going to land a top race.
When Mick Fitz was asked on the Morning Line which horse Paul Hanagan should pick for the King George in a week’s time, (from clearly two strong contenders) his response was plain feeble: he should choose "the one he thinks will win". That combined with a most unsatisfactory interview of Geoff Banks by Tanya who didn’t challenge anything being said, illustrated how much this programme has deteriorated.
The afternoon coverage has way too much musically accompanied video content, much of which is irrelevant to the afternoon’s racing and obviously too much interviewing. The rot set in some years ago when presenters and TV cameras were allowed in the paddock and winner’s enclosure.Before then we would get proper pre-race analysis and usually plenty of time to see and appraise the runners.I agree with Stilvi’ s comments. We all have presenter likes and dislikes and I find Liz Price a perfectly acceptable contributor but I don’t see het role as being a tipster. Actually I never take much notice of any TV pundits tips. Wasn’t part of the charm of the C4 team the fact that they didn’t take themselves too seriously when it came to selections? Liz Price is fine. Listen to what she says but make up your own mind when it comes to a selection. I thought that’s what most Forum Followers do anyway!
I and doubtless many forum followers and racing fans will agree with the title posted by Ricky. It is a shame that Ascot will not be on ATR. Well said sir! (Didn’t bother reading further)
Lovely reminders from Apracing of times not long ago when midweek and Friday cards at Newbury were packed with interest. Regrettably now all the quality races seem to happen on Saturdays when the place is full of the coach party brigade and those casual racegoers who seem intent on eating and drinking through the afternoon.
Loved the old midweek atmosphere of a knowledgeable crowd seeing decent and competitive action, with future stars liable to be on view. Now as rightly remarked upon its a building site with racing, waiting to become a residential estate with racing. Huge pity.Public national sporting events have changed over time. Many are no longer in the forefront of the nation’s consciousness. The FA Cup Final, University Boat Race and with no terrestrial TV, test match cricket are not what once were. I fear the Derby is going the same way.I’m not a big fan of the C4 coverage, but doubt whether the ratings would be much different however the race was presented.
Racing can be complicated and punting success is often elusive, but true racing fans love the sport for a whole variety of reasons and look for its traditional appeal to be retained. The core supporters will put up with the fickle lighter side of the sport being given prominence sometimes, but not all the time. If the serious side of racing is neglected, any amount of theme nights, post race concerts, indulgent drinking and trivial media coverage will only shrink the size of racing audience and not produce loyal new followers that every sport needs ensure future success.Excellent replies from Phil and Apracing to the question I posed about BH racing.Can always rely on forum followers to come up with the answers. Must say the point about terrestrial TV coverage is telling, but slightly sad that their influence is so strong. Many happy memories of the old Sandown BH Monday meeting, which also used to include the HenryII Stakes as well, which I forgot to mention.
Ricky,it’s great we can all share opinions and I respect your consistency. However, I’m unable to reconcile your preference for RUK means you have such ill will towards its competitor. Each channel has its good and not so good points,but surely as racing fans lets wish both well. My final comments on this topic.
Ricky you appear to have a totally unreasonable bias against ATR. As many forum followers are fully aware, the station has many highly satisfied viewers who are not prepared to pay monthly subscriptions to enjoy live racing. I watch both specialist channels and like the contrast and competition between both.
Completely disagree with Ricky’s views. ATR is an excellent, vibrant channel which does very well with the coverage of the courses it has. Considering there is no additional subscription fee to watch it, I can’t understand how any racing fan is so obviously biased against it. Personally I regret the loss of Ascot from its portfolio. It served that course extremely well for many years.
I should like Channel 4 to stop using the light surface visual effect as horses approach the winning line. It’s a distraction and doesn’t enhance the viewers enjoyment. I’ve now watched several re-runs of the 2000Guineas via YouTube and far prefer the finish area when it is normal, natural,green grass!
