We’re anti Social?
WITH so much sport on the box this week there was only time to dip in and out of the Ascot television coverage this week. You can see why many racing fans might sigh in annoyance when someone like Declan Donnelly is on the presenters’ podium for ITV’s coverage.Most of the recent comments and viewing figures have been favourable to the ITV team. Last year was good and, for an event like Royal Ascot on the main channel, it has to be different, more suited to a mainstream audience. Well-known faces from television and sport do no harm in making racing look attractive. Again the meeting was blessed by fine weather and the multiple camera angles over the track showcased an event which is so very appealing visually to casual viewers.
What is necessary is that they don’t try to fit too much into the production. The racing element used 11 presenters, and that was before commentators, fashion and any other extras.
Not to pull the gender balance card too quickly but the scorecard reads 11 to 1 on the racing presentation side with Francesca Cumani on her own for the ladies. You will see many more female presenters on the US networks and it is the better for that – they are very knowledgable.
However, the Social Stable is a waste of space. It adds nothing and wastes someone like Kevin Blake – light banter is not his forte. Who cares where anyone else is watching from on television? “Let us know where you are watching.” Why?
Non-stop Willie Mullins
AFTER training his 3,000th winner a few weeks ago, Willie Mullins said: “I would like to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup, while I would also like to win an Ascot Gold Cup and a Melbourne Cup. They are all races I’d like to think we have a chance of winning, as we have got the horses to do it. They are reasonable targets that we might hopefully get to achieve.”
After his Royal Ascot winner with Lagostovegas on Tuesday he said: “After Punchestown we look at which horses could run in France, which ones could go on the flat and which ones to turn out to grass. The flat-bred ones are fairly obvious and so we take a chance on whether they will go on the ground. The owners of this mare love their racing and wherever we can find a race for her they will be keen to go.” So much for taking the foot of the pedal and relaxing for the summer!
Not in this yard.
David O’Meara’s French fancies
IT might have got a bit lost in the celebrations around the winner Accidental Agent but another feat worthy of note was the latest shrewd acquisition from France by David O’Meara.
Lord Glitters is the latest recruit, purchased after winning a conditions race at Saint Cloud last May, as did his Grade 1 winner Mondialiste in 2014.
Suedois also came from a Group 3 win at Deauville to be placed in a host of Group 1s in 2016 before hitting the Grade 1 target in Keeneland last year.
Lord Glitters looks talented enough to join those recent Grade 1 winners.
A Screw loose?
PERHAPS it’s just that more things are reported these days but over recent months there seems to be a higher proportion than normal of horses losing shoes.
Photos online revealed that Laurens lost a front shoe in winning the Prix de Diane. At Ascot Stradivarius was the latest - being reported lame on his right hind and losing the shoe on that foot. Samcro also lost a shoe in winning at Cheltenham. Do today’s racehorses have weaker hooves, or are races rougher?
A sadder note
THE racing season moves swiftly every year but we still make time to remember those great names past, if only by acknowledging their place in the history books.
On the days that his greatest horse Frankel made an impact at Ascot with a Group 1 and two more winners, Sir Henry Cecil’s name is gone from the record books as Sir Michael Stoute became the winningmost trainer at the royal meeting.
Stoute too is a giant of flat racing who went through a quiet period and he graciously added the caveat to his achievements that Cecil’s totals were accumulated for the most part over a four-day meeting.
Miler match up
A hypothetical mile championship over the easy mile for the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood – the line up: Saxon Warrior, Without Parole, Expert Eye. Who wins?
ON TWITTER
Sarah Lynam@Lynam_S
Hard to describe the joy of having trained my first winner. Well done Musical Jewel, Danny Sheehy, and everyone in the yard at home. Truly a special day and one to remember. #MusicalJewel #DreamComeTrue
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Cracksman is back home. Clarehaven reactions
Roaring Lion: oh mate
Without Parole: who’s dad’s favourite now, huh?
Monarchs Glen: I got bollocked for less than that
Coronet: sooooo, you like Ribbesdale fillies do you? *Flicks mane