[The Judge]

Happy New Year everyone.<br>  I have to say the a most telling remark came when The Racing Channel opened for business on Tuesday, when Dave Compton informed "us" (or should that be "me"?) that we "only had to wait 3 and a half hours" before the first live action from Greyville I think. <br>  The Racing Channel had made scary, perhaps cult viewing for some since Attheraces launched- it has had the look of a Marie Celeste for some time. Its only saving grace was its TRNI service, which was gaining popularity before Attheraces ruthlessly jumped on the American bandwagon. The loss of Irish racing was the final nail in the coffin. <br>  So what for the 10 courses who steered clear of ATR? Difficult to say, but one must hope that ATR keeps its head above water for the well being of the sport. Let’s also remember what a groundbreaking concept The Racing Channel was at the time- the forebearer to… better things? Time will tell. Meantime, R.I.P. T.R.C.

[The Judge]

 I find watching the Cross Country races at Cheltenham easy on the eye, and as an occasional treat, for me they’re absolutely fine in principle. Cheltenham do a good job in vetting the entries for the races so that only experienced chasers take part in the contests. It won’t be everybody’s cup of tea, but when it’s only 2 races in the entire season, well…<br>  The only objection I would have to the course is the bank in the centre- for me it’s not a pleasant sight watching horses negotiating banks on any Cross Country Course. <br>  In twelve races over these fences, there has been one fatality- Leguane as was rightly pointed out in 1995- at the bank itself, incidentally.<br>  In terms of horse welfare, I find watching the Cross Country races far less concerning than the 2 mile hurdles at Cheltenham. Watching them bullet down that hill to the second last à la The Triumph Hurdle is uncomfortable stuff for this Judge. <br>

[Author]

Posts