Comments on: No good excuses http://www.bertsblog.co.uk/horse-racing/no-good-excuses.html Betfair's Andrew Black on Horse Racing, Betting, Betfair and Random Musings Sun, 12 Feb 2012 23:25:26 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7.1 hourly 1 By: Bert http://www.bertsblog.co.uk/horse-racing/no-good-excuses.html/comment-page-1#comment-1951 Bert Tue, 26 May 2009 23:06:24 +0000 http://www.bertsblog.co.uk/?p=596#comment-1951 Equi, I think £250k is probably an acceptable sum to spend on this sort of excercise - racing is a big and valuable sport. I'm not sure about the Ben and Brian thing but from the little I've read there was some worthwhile thinking in the document. I'd be a lot more positive about a drive to modernise racing than an effort to rebrand it though. James, we're going to try cheek pieces on Saturday - they worked the oracle with his mother. Michael, the problem is that he's incredibly well at home - he's a star on the gallops (better than ever) and I think he's genuinely happy with life. We'll find out more on Saturday. nufc, I don't think he'd stay - not many milers make it over hurdles. Equi,
I think £250k is probably an acceptable sum to spend on this sort of excercise - racing is a big and valuable sport. I’m not sure about the Ben and Brian thing but from the little I’ve read there was some worthwhile thinking in the document.
I’d be a lot more positive about a drive to modernise racing than an effort to rebrand it though.

James,
we’re going to try cheek pieces on Saturday - they worked the oracle with his mother.

Michael,
the problem is that he’s incredibly well at home - he’s a star on the gallops (better than ever) and I think he’s genuinely happy with life. We’ll find out more on Saturday.

nufc,
I don’t think he’d stay - not many milers make it over hurdles.

]]> By: nufc95 http://www.bertsblog.co.uk/horse-racing/no-good-excuses.html/comment-page-1#comment-1945 nufc95 Mon, 18 May 2009 08:44:26 +0000 http://www.bertsblog.co.uk/?p=596#comment-1945 How about a go at hurdling? Might spark some life into him, I presume he would make a top class 2m hurdler if he takes to jumping. I agree james a change of scenery could do him the world of good. How about a go at hurdling? Might spark some life into him, I presume he would make a top class 2m hurdler if he takes to jumping. I agree james a change of scenery could do him the world of good.

]]> By: michaelf http://www.bertsblog.co.uk/horse-racing/no-good-excuses.html/comment-page-1#comment-1944 michaelf Sun, 17 May 2009 19:14:55 +0000 http://www.bertsblog.co.uk/?p=596#comment-1944 The Winker situation is desperately frustrating for you, Bert. I am going through something similar with a horse I have a small share in, he won twice and looked a real prospect (there was even some high faluting talk of Cheltenham...!) but since then has disappointed half a dozen times and just seems to be out of love with the game. I think James' idea about giving Winker a change of scenery holds some water. I'd be tempted to let one of the other trainers on your books have a go with him; that talent we all witnessed a couple of years ago must still be there somewhere and he's certainly not worth retiring without being given another chance. And don't forget the original Winker Watson was "the world's wiliest wangler". Perhaps your Winker has got too wily for his own good. The Winker situation is desperately frustrating for you, Bert. I am going through something similar with a horse I have a small share in, he won twice and looked a real prospect (there was even some high faluting talk of Cheltenham…!) but since then has disappointed half a dozen times and just seems to be out of love with the game.

I think James’ idea about giving Winker a change of scenery holds some water. I’d be tempted to let one of the other trainers on your books have a go with him; that talent we all witnessed a couple of years ago must still be there somewhere and he’s certainly not worth retiring without being given another chance. And don’t forget the original Winker Watson was “the world’s wiliest wangler”. Perhaps your Winker has got too wily for his own good.

]]> By: james http://www.bertsblog.co.uk/horse-racing/no-good-excuses.html/comment-page-1#comment-1943 james Sun, 17 May 2009 18:36:30 +0000 http://www.bertsblog.co.uk/?p=596#comment-1943 Have you thought about a chnge of scenery for Winker? A change of stables can sometimes restore a horses enthusiasm. Otherwise try every type of appliance available visor, tongue tie, cheek pieces etc Have you thought about a chnge of scenery for Winker? A change of stables can sometimes restore a horses enthusiasm. Otherwise try every type of appliance available visor, tongue tie, cheek pieces etc

]]> By: Equipedia http://www.bertsblog.co.uk/horse-racing/no-good-excuses.html/comment-page-1#comment-1942 Equipedia Sun, 17 May 2009 18:33:44 +0000 http://www.bertsblog.co.uk/?p=596#comment-1942 I feel for you, Bert, I really do. On paper Tifernati looked to have excellent prospects this afternoon, despite it being his first run over hurdles, but things just didn't seem to go his way. From what Denis O'Regan said after the first race the ground was bordering on being soft, so perhaps there's light at the end of the tunnel yet. I've taken my first step into racehorse ownership over the weekend and have to say that your optimism is infectious - it's desperately exciting. The horse isn't anything to shout about, and her future is paved with gold, but to be involved with her is still something quite unbelievable. Deviating completely, what are your thoughts on the BHA's decision to throw upwards of £250,000 at the rebranding of racing? Is it fair to categorise racing's current support as an army of 'Brians'? I feel for you, Bert, I really do. On paper Tifernati looked to have excellent prospects this afternoon, despite it being his first run over hurdles, but things just didn’t seem to go his way. From what Denis O’Regan said after the first race the ground was bordering on being soft, so perhaps there’s light at the end of the tunnel yet.

I’ve taken my first step into racehorse ownership over the weekend and have to say that your optimism is infectious - it’s desperately exciting. The horse isn’t anything to shout about, and her future is paved with gold, but to be involved with her is still something quite unbelievable.

Deviating completely, what are your thoughts on the BHA’s decision to throw upwards of £250,000 at the rebranding of racing? Is it fair to categorise racing’s current support as an army of ‘Brians’?

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