Chanel 4 racing and Claire Balding.

[oldvic]

Ah but a so called form expert should know the colour of a horse's coat. When form reading in my opinion you should take into account genetics and breeding since they can and do influence a horse's ability.

The colour doesn't influence how fast a horse goes. The genetics and breeding can influence ability but don't necessarily. There have been some beautifully bred horses that have been useless and some freaks that are bred to be ordinary but are very good. How do you explain full siblings of widely varying talent if breeding is so paramount. I agree that some stallions can have an influence for various traits like ground preference, wind problems, rideability, etc. but there will be exceptions that prove the rule.
Graham Cunningham may or may not be to your taste but there are many who like and respect him just as you could find people on both sides of the fence for all the presenters, old and new. That's what makes the world go round.

 

[JCWHITE]

My reply came back as, sorry you didnt enjoy the programme................, have actually deleted it as felt it was a no reply.
Lets hope someone from the production company is reading this thread.

 

[Echo Bravo]

Clodagh, which means up yours as they really are not interested what people think or say, it isn't till the rating start to drop will they start to take any notice, as for me I shall start ironing on other days and go shopping Sat afternoons.

 

[AdorableAlice]

I hoard a week of leave to watch the fesitival, I really hope things improve or it will be a waste of annual leave.

The programme is lifeless without AD and JF.

 

[starr_g]

I got the "sorry you didn't enjoy the programme" email even though I didn't actually say that. I only commented on the size of the font for the race card and omission of the trainer from it. At least that has been changed but still don't like the blue background. Am now going to do the form again and comment on the lack of horses on the programme. They can do their talking over the paddock pictures. My bets are already on before it starts but want to see how my horse and the competition are looking.

 

[Alec Swan]

.......

Lets hope someone from the production company is reading this thread.

If anyone has access to Ch4 Racing, might I suggest that you invite them on to this thread, so that they may give us some insight into their confusing rational?

Ch4 Racing is funded by those who advertise with them. I wonder what their thoughts are, specifically about the apparent dissatisfaction.

Alec.

 

[MyBoyChe]

AA, I always save a weeks leave to watch Cheltenham!! I also subscribe to RUK as I enjoy the features they do that week and the fact that they show wall to wall coverage from about 11am and have all the races on live. I used to flick back and forth to C4 for ADs features and JF (cos I still think he;s gorgeous). Not sure I'll be bothering this year but things may pick up. I tend to agree with the majority, I miss the paddock scenes, I like to see the horses in the pre parade and parade, I love racing because I love to see good horses doing what they are bred to do, the betting side of things is of little interest to me. I know its an important part of the economics of the thing but I prefer to just enjoy it for the horses,

 

[AdorableAlice]

AA, I always save a weeks leave to watch Cheltenham!! I also subscribe to RUK as I enjoy the features they do that week and the fact that they show wall to wall coverage from about 11am and have all the races on live. I used to flick back and forth to C4 for ADs features and JF (cos I still think he;s gorgeous). Not sure I'll be bothering this year but things may pick up. I tend to agree with the majority, I miss the paddock scenes, I like to see the horses in the pre parade and parade, I love racing because I love to see good horses doing what they are bred to do, the betting side of things is of little interest to me. I know its an important part of the economics of the thing but I prefer to just enjoy it for the horses,

Best week of the year for me ! enough light to do what needs to be done outside without a struggle before it starts, empty house, business phone on mute, bottle of whatever I fancy and a few pringles or the like to nibble on. Then of course, I can jump up and down screaming at the TV when a good horse gives his all up that hill, without my OH thinking I am having a strange turn !

Have sky but not RUK, do you reckon it's a better watch than C4 is going to be at the festival ?

 

[MyBoyChe]

AA, we could be twins. Im just the same, its the highlight of my year. Spend the morning with the ponies, back by 11, organise nibbles and drinks, lock the doors, wont answer door or phone if it rings, then settle down in time for the fun to begin. I do think for £20 a month RUK is good value anyway but for Cheltenham and Aintree I really would miss it now. They cover the whole of each day live,they do have a few racing themed adverts but nothing like the amount C4 have to fit in and on the whole have a pretty good team of presenters. GC was an RUK mainstay so not sure if he will be on C4 only now.

 

[Fantasy_World]

The colour doesn't influence how fast a horse goes. The genetics and breeding can influence ability but don't necessarily. There have been some beautifully bred horses that have been useless and some freaks that are bred to be ordinary but are very good. How do you explain full siblings of widely varying talent if breeding is so paramount. I agree that some stallions can have an influence for various traits like ground preference, wind problems, rideability, etc. but there will be exceptions that prove the rule.
Graham Cunningham may or may not be to your taste but there are many who like and respect him just as you could find people on both sides of the fence for all the presenters, old and new. That's what makes the world go round.

I did not suggest that colouration was related to a horse's ability. Although to be fair chestnut mares do have a reputation across the horse world.
There will always be exceptions to the rule when it comes to genetics for any species, man is a prime example of that.
I do though look into a horse's breeding when form reading because some stallions and even dam sires can have influences for ground preference, speed, stamina etc.
I like to use the dosage index for instance for the Epsom Derby runners when making my choices and that is truly controlled by genetics.
Graham Cunningham maybe good in the Post, but just because someone is good in the written press it does not predispose them to have a natural talent for the screen.
Likewise a good jockey in the saddle may not be as good as putting pen to paper or presenting on TV.
There are exceptions to the rule though across all forms of the racing media.
My point was not whether or not I liked this man but the fact that as someone supposedly so accomplished in the written press that he could not remember the colouring of a mare which was such a high profile winner/runner that Lady Cricket was.
Her beating by the same stable's Blowing Wind in what seemed a handicap blot in the 2002 Mildmay of flete handicap (now Byrne plate)was an amazing run as she tried to give 17lbs to the victor. Despite his price that day I can bet a few pounds were collected, especially as he was owned by gambler and Make a Stand's (champion hurdle winner 97) owner Peter Deal.
As a form reader, I am sure Mr Cunningham would remember such a race as well as her victory in the previous season's Thomas Pink chase (now Paddy Power cup). Which is why it baffled me so much that her colour could so easily be forgotten especially when I would argue that chestnut is not perhaps one of the most popular winning colours in National Hunt as it tends to be bay or brown.

 

[oldvic]

I did not suggest that colouration was related to a horse's ability. Although to be fair chestnut mares do have a reputation across the horse world.
There will always be exceptions to the rule when it comes to genetics for any species, man is a prime example of that.
I do though look into a horse's breeding when form reading because some stallions and even dam sires can have influences for ground preference, speed, stamina etc.
I like to use the dosage index for instance for the Epsom Derby runners when making my choices and that is truly controlled by genetics.
Graham Cunningham maybe good in the Post, but just because someone is good in the written press it does not predispose them to have a natural talent for the screen.
Likewise a good jockey in the saddle may not be as good as putting pen to paper or presenting on TV.
There are exceptions to the rule though across all forms of the racing media.
My point was not whether or not I liked this man but the fact that as someone supposedly so accomplished in the written press that he could not remember the colouring of a mare which was such a high profile winner/runner that Lady Cricket was.
Her beating by the same stable's Blowing Wind in what seemed a handicap blot in the 2002 Mildmay of flete handicap (now Byrne plate)was an amazing run as she tried to give 17lbs to the victor. Despite his price that day I can bet a few pounds were collected, especially as he was owned by gambler and Make a Stand's (champion hurdle winner 97) owner Peter Deal.
As a form reader, I am sure Mr Cunningham would remember such a race as well as her victory in the previous season's Thomas Pink chase (now Paddy Power cup). Which is why it baffled me so much that her colour could so easily be forgotten especially when I would argue that chestnut is not perhaps one of the most popular winning colours in National Hunt as it tends to be bay or brown.

I think many people will take into account the breeding when looking at form for reasons we both have stated although it isn't the main factor.
Graham Cunningham is also increasingly used on RacingUK for his informed assessments so it is not just the written press that he is accomplished in. Memory can play tricks with anyone when under pressure and in the heat of the moment - and I'm sure you have said something that you have then felt slightly embarrassed about when you have had time to think. It isn't as if she's a bright chestnut so the image in his mind could well be just a small dark horse. It hardly makes a huge difference to the world, nor is it going to threaten someone's life or livelihood.

 

[Miss L Toe]

I really enjoyed it. I did miss John Francome though!

ditto
and Alistair Downs should be brought back, he is a master of his craft.

 

[Miss L Toe]

I was disappointed generally. All the best bits cut back and the worse bits re-enforced.
What is the point of that stupid gaming table, reminded me of early pub games of the 1980's.
The screen cluttered with technology, just because it is available does not mean it is desirable.
Personally I prefer ClareB to be out and about, her personality can be a bit overwhelming, in a studio with four others, it could turn in to an ego stand off!
Lets see the horses as much as possible, that is the whole point of a TV screen, as others have said the betting is of interest, but I have my online account open if I want to put a bet on.
Please do not turn this in to a program about betting, there are bookmakers enough to provide that outlet to gamblers.

 

[Fantasy_World]

I was disappointed generally. All the best bits cut back and the worse bits re-enforced.
What is the point of that stupid gaming table, reminded me of early pub games of the 1980's.
The screen cluttered with technology, just because it is available does not mean it is desirable.
Personally I prefer ClareB to be out and about, her personality can be a bit overwhelming, in a studio with four others, it could turn in to an ego stand off!
Lets see the horses as much as possible, that is the whole point of a TV screen, as others have said the betting is of interest, but I have my online account open if I want to put a bet on.
Please do not turn this in to a program about betting, there are bookmakers enough to provide that outlet to gamblers.

Well said!

 

[dressedkez]

I shall switch off if we get CB trying to dumb down racing to the extent when someone mentions the horses mane - CB feels that she has to tell the viewers at home that the mane is the hair running along the top of the neck - I think she had a 'withers comment' when looking at Long Run et al at Nicki Henderson's yard. Having said that, I was given Clare's book for Christmas, and really enjoyed it, and liked her a lot more having read it - but I watch racing because I love it, and have a little bit of knowledge (having trained and owned) and I can't stand this popular make it accessible to the person who watches the Grand National once a year stance........May have to take out a sub to Racing UK again - though as I only want to watch NH - P'd off that you have to take it out for a year now!
Agree with those who say that losing Alastair and John F is dire, and also Derek, though at times I did throw things at the TV when he was spouting nonsence. This Sat just gone (where Clare was absent) was fine - and what a cracking day for Jeremy Scott and Michael Scudamore - fantastic, and those are stories that make NH racing for me.

 

[Daffodil]

Agree with you about Jeremy Scott. He really hasn't had the publicity he deserves after the Tolworth.

 

[Echo Bravo]

As my Hubby is good at saying WE'RE Doomed!!!!

 

[Honeylight]

I shall switch off if we get CB trying to dumb down racing to the extent when someone mentions the horses mane - CB feels that she has to tell the viewers at home that the mane is the hair running along the top of the neck - I think she had a 'withers comment' when looking at Long Run et al at Nicki Henderson's yard. Having said that, I was given Clare's book for Christmas, and really enjoyed it, and liked her a lot more having read it - but I watch racing because I love it, and have a little bit of knowledge (having trained and owned) and I can't stand this popular make it accessible to the person who watches the Grand National once a year stance........May have to take out a sub to Racing UK again - though as I only want to watch NH - P'd off that you have to take it out for a year now!
Agree with those who say that losing Alastair and John F is dire, and also Derek, though at times I did throw things at the TV when he was spouting nonsence. This Sat just gone (where Clare was absent) was fine - and what a cracking day for Jeremy Scott and Michael Scudamore - fantastic, and those are stories that make NH racing for me.

I actually thought that the programme was more set up for gamblers than those who genuinely love racing & horses. I didn't see it as very populist (on Saturday gone any way). I personally don't bet, I know that racing exists for betting but I thought it was too heavily slanted in that direction.
Personally I wouldn't get that pee'd off with Clare saying what a mane is (irritated yes), but at least that would mean we were seeing a horse rather than guys sitting round a table analysing starting prices. The horses are important for me.....& I would think those having a bet too. At the races you can often tell those that are going to run well or badly by how they look in the paddock. What about a section that shows people those good & bad points & builds on it every week?
I had a reply from 4 but it was very non specific, thanks for your comments & all that.

 

[Miss L Toe]

I had a reply from 4 but it was very non specific, thanks for your comments & all that.

I put two comments to C4 Racing and got same reply, obviously standard.

Clare Baldiing does know rather a lot about racing having brought up to it, her father was a top trainer, as is her brother.
She was good at Olympics because she was knowledgeable but also able to talk to the general viewer, pitched it at the right level, obviously a cool head, she has done loads of broadcasting besides horses.
PS John McCrirrick is no loss to the program imho, and most certainly Clare will be avoiding sitting in his seat!

 

[dressedkez]

I actually thought that the programme was more set up for gamblers than those who genuinely love racing & horses. I didn't see it as very populist (on Saturday gone any way). I personally don't bet, I know that racing exists for betting but I thought it was too heavily slanted in that direction.
Personally I wouldn't get that pee'd off with Clare saying what a mane is (irritated yes), but at least that would mean we were seeing a horse rather than guys sitting round a table analysing starting prices. The horses are important for me.....& I would think those having a bet too. At the races you can often tell those that are going to run well or badly by how they look in the paddock. What about a section that shows people those good & bad points & builds on it every week?
I had a reply from 4 but it was very non specific, thanks for your comments & all that.

I don't bet - and did not back my pointer when he once won at 33-1, because I just can't do it......(and I was the trainer.......) However, I just love NH racing, in its purist form, and want to know about the fancied horses, and why they are (fancied) - and understanding why they excel in certain conditions / weights / tactics is V interesting - It is not all about punting - but understanding about why Trainers do what they do, how they place their horses. I know what the withers / mane is / why horses are plated etc. It is the finer points that I used to watch when I was trying to emulate the Pipe's / Nicholls / Henderson's when I was a very amateur trainer! Given up training now, but clearly with 3 wins in one season I learnt something from C4 racing, as well as my other bible which was Anne Holland's book, coupled with a little bit of intuitive knowledge! Given up now.......(for now, hope to do it again one day)

 

[Alec Swan]

12/01/13.

I thought that The Morning Line this morning was an improvement. Does anyone agree with me?

Alec.

 

[Daffodil]

Unfortunately I can never see the programme, but I will be interested to see if they do a little tribute to Katchit this afternoon. Pretty sure Alastair Down would have done something in the old days.

 

[TBB]

12/01/13.

I thought that The Morning Line this morning was an improvement. Does anyone agree with me?

Alec.

I do although the "mugs game" bit is a bit unnecessary. I used to love the "morning line" years ago before +1 was available but gradually lost interest in it as you'd be lucky if two races were mentioned and in the end if I'd an interest in something running I'd turn it on just in case but turn it off if big Mac was on! I always watched it during Cheltenham as Ted is always entertaining and informative. We're lucky to have him on RTE for our live racing.

 

[Clodagh]

Well I will watch the Morning Line now, I fast forward through the boring bits - and Mr McCirick in his day - so it only takes about 15 mins to watch. Then I am watching RUK today instead of C4, all the jumps races are on there and I will see what I think.

 

[Daffodil]

They don't seem able to sort out the time lapse with the picture and the sound. And has Graham Cunningham forgotten to put his teeth in? Even more off putting than usual!

Emma Lavelle's niece is a bit of a star!!

Incidentally, I'm watching in tandem with Racing UK!!

 

[JCWHITE]

As an aside, I am liking the improvements to Warwick from what I can see.

 

[Fantasy_World]

Today's coverage seems a bit better but I am still missing the former presenters

 

[Daffodil]

I struggle with the personnel, but the overall coverage is improving.

 

[millhouse]

Just watched Channel 4's racing for the first time under the new team. It's lost all it's character. Don't even know if I will watch Cheltenham now.

 

[Miss L Toe]

Funny, that is just what I felt, the racing coverage has lost it character, it is no longer unique.
If we are watching horses canter down to the start, should someone not comment on how they look.
Please revert to having the betting running under the screen, oh and I find the adverts very intrusive.
PS I loved Mike Cattermole, always so suave and immaculate, and Tommo..... well, essential for commentary at Wolverhampton imho!