On the Hoof - In More Ways Than One

Champions Day at Ascot last week was a fabulous day for owners, trainers, jockeys and horses alike. TV coverage allowed plenty of time to pick your winner and place your bet. Frankie of course took the first race on Flying Officer, but for all the results, whys and wherefores of the all race winners on the day go here à http://goo.gl/KHHCUf

I did enjoy the televising but there were times when the music for race clip preambles and discussion drowned out the racing noises and the presenters as usual. It’s about time the presenters had a say and ask for it (the music) to be toned down to the point of not being needed at all.

Puts me off to say the least.

Talking about putting people off: The Racing Post reported a drop of 34% in viewing figures for 2015. In 2014 watchers numbered 557,000 but in 2015 it was only 367,000.

Ascot Grandstand

The same afternoon 500,000 watched the amateur boxing on the BBC whilst Bargain Hunt pulled its average of 800,000 during the running of the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes and the Champion Stakes. The Rugby World cup also competed for viewers. They didn’t get me though. I for one didn’t bother with the Rugby once the Welsh were out of it and I stayed loyal to the horse racing although I also like Bargain Hunt.  

Next year I might just join the party at Ascot itself. 30,967 race goers were there this year. Anyone want to sponsor the ticket price for me? I would love to attend on Ladies Day.

On Ladies Day

Gok bless him is restricted to every adjective in the book repeated over and over with NO mention of the style, colour, design description or cut of the outfits he views when Channel 4 covers racing fashion. The camera man does not give him time. We want the details not repeated adjectives. Producer should take note! Viewing figures would go UP.

Tanya please, please, get someone who really cares and can dress you to your advantage to give you a hand. You have a lot to contend with, weather, clip boards and presenters paraphernalia but there must be some outfits that could enhance your image even so.

Tanya on the far left 

What A Surprise

Having swam for Great Britain, Wales, and England in the sixties I follow Olympic swimming. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Chad le Clos, who took gold in the 200 meters butterfly at the London Olympics, when he unexpectedly beat Michael Phelps, is now a race horse owner. The horse is called Unbelievable Chad. Winning a race in September of just under 7 furlongs at Scottsville in South Africa, the prize money was $132,000, (£88,000).

Unbelievable Chad

Last But Not Least

ITV may bid for the next contract to cover horse racing which starts in 2017. Step up your game Channel 4.

Jemima J. Jones