ONE of the topics for debate on the discussion forums this week was on the content of TV racing programmes and the amount of betting news and information necessary, in contrast to features and analysis of the horses taking part.

How much the content matters, who it is directed at or how to attract new viewers should be gauged in the context of some viewing figures this week.

A look and comparison of general weekday TV viewing makes for interesting comparison.

The Investec Derby won by Harzand was watched by a peak 1.4 million on Channel 4 on Saturday evening. TV3 soap opera Red Rock debuted this week on BBC1 was watched by an average of 1.1 million viewers in the early afternoon. The Derbys of 2014 and 2013 were watched by peaks of 1.47 and 1.55 million, little change. No matter what is on, a huge section of the population never change channels.

Handicaps need bigger pots

While the level of general prize money in this country well exceeds that in Britain, the big handicaps of recent weeks across the water put much of our handicaps in the shade with the pots available here in recent weeks.

Last Saturday’s Bunbury Cup at Newmarket was worth £74,000 to the winner, the John Smith (Magnet) Cup was worth £124,500 while the Northumberland Plate was worth £92,385 to the winner. Even with Brexit, those big races are worth very decent money in comparision to some of the big handicaps through our flat season.

100 up as Bay triumphs again

Well done to Harry Rogers-trained Calm Bay, mentioned in this column last week, who started his second century on the track with a 12/1 win on his 101st run at Bellewstown.

Too well handicapped

So Pyromaniac is the first casualty of the pre-Galway, hoodwink the handicapper but dodge the stewards, do not pass Ballybrit, annual board game. He’s ended up in jail. Many more may slip through the net or get out on bail over the next 10 days.

Frankel flying even higher

Frankel’s start to his stud career has been nothing short of phenomenal with seven winners from his eight progeny to race in Europe so far. Looking at some of those who had his foals - mares of the calibre of Alexander Goldrun, Dancing Rain, Danedream, Dar Re Mi, Finsceal Beo, Heat Haze, Lightening Pearl, Midday, Ramruma, Stacelita, Swiss Lake, Zee Zee Top, and Zomaradah - it’s difficult to believe that the best may yet be to come.

Name game

Aldaniti, Danoli, Limato - just a few successful horses named after combining family members names - as good a way as any to have a horse run for your family.

Stable staff

Good stable staff are the bedrock of the industry and we have seen some degree of annoyance in recent weeks with the lack of provisions for them at some racecourses. It can be of particular annoyance when substantial prizes (admittedly sponsored) are handed out for best dressed ladies, that those in charge of turning out the horses are ignored. Ballinrobe’s intention (B2) to provide €50 best turned out prizes this year is praiseworthy.

On TWITTER

Denis @carvillshill

Boris Foreign Secretary? Mark Johnston’s appointment as head of the gambling commission can’t be far away so.

Barry Dempsey @barrydempsey2

And that’s exactly why Pat Smullen is the best jockey in the world. An absolute incredible ride on Xsquared. #TheChamp

sheila lavery @sheilalavery

That has to get ride of the month! #pat Smullen #killarney races

camilla sharples @camsharples

Nice little treble @DownpatrickRace makes it all worth while #Winners #WellDoneTeam

QUOTE OF THE

WEEK

“We turned down silly money for this horse because it took me 26 years to find one this good and I don’t know if I’ll be here in another 26 when the next one comes along.”

Limato’s owner Paul Jacobs has his faith rewarded.