Welcome to Live View – Take the tour to learn more
Start Tour
There is currently 1 person viewing this thread.
21 Oct 11
17:38
Joined:
Date Joined:
05 Jan 10
http://betting.betfair.com/horse-racing/paul-nicholls/the-industry-view/megan-and-mccririck-show-racings-good-and-ugly-sides-211011.html
Megan and McCririck show racing's good and ugly sides
The Industry View / Paul Nicholls / 21 October 2011 / L
"I stand by my Thursday tweet that McCririck does racing more harm than good on many occasions – and this was one. He should think before he sounds off, and remember racing pays his wages!"
Paul's daughter's dedication to racing is easy to admire but John McCririck's words just annoy
To judge from their antics on Wednesday, I think I am on safe ground in saying that not too many former World War Two spies or ex-GCHQ employees have relocated to Ditcheat in recent years. But plenty of Captain Mannerings have, it would appear, to judge from those propping up at the bar at the local!
I'll explain...
Wednesday was my 20th anniversary of training here at Ditcheat and the locals clearly decided to throw a surprise party in the Manor Inn for me in the evening.
How did I know? Well, it helped when someone rang me in the morning and said I will see you in the pub tonight for the celebration!
I decided to have a bit of fun with them, so I went in the pub for a coke and sandwich as usual on Wednesday afternoon and just mentioned in passing that "I could really do without going up to London for a Betfair dinner this evening."
You have never seen so many faces drop at once, as they all hurried for their phones!
But we obviously had a great night and hopefully it will be business as usual for me now after the back operation, as I am due to make my return to the racetrack at Chepstow on Saturday.
Georgie rides out Master Minded, so she will be in charge at Aintree. And hopefully it will be smiles all round for the family there as my 14-year-old daughter Megan rides her pony Wotarisk in the 148cm and under pony race before racing.
These are the pony race finals and the best 15 in each category (the other being 138cm and under) line up and Megan will be fancying her chances as Wotarisk has won at Chepstow, Kempton, Ascot and Newbury, while only losing out to by a short head to Miss Wonderful.
It's a big day for all the kids who have been hard at it since March, and if dedication is any route to success, Megan should go close; for the past fortnight she has been riding out in the dark before school.
One person who would be better off going out in the dark in disguise when he gets back from America is John McCririck after a disgracefully misleading, and over the top, article about the whip in Thursday's Daily Mail.
At one point, he wrote - and yes, this actually appeared in the paper - that "after all, if speed is all that matters, regardless of the animal's welfare, then why not attach electrodes to horses' private parts? The electric current would certainly send them shooting round the course."
Well, having spoken to many professionals in racing since then, I think we have an alternative use for the electrodes.
In all seriousness though, I stand by my Thursday tweet that he does racing more harm than good on many occasions - and this was one. He should think before he sounds off, and remember racing pays his wages!
Because what I read in the Mail just wasn't on, and trust me it has angered many jockeys, trainers and owners.
Megan and McCririck show racing's good and ugly sides
The Industry View / Paul Nicholls / 21 October 2011 / L
"I stand by my Thursday tweet that McCririck does racing more harm than good on many occasions – and this was one. He should think before he sounds off, and remember racing pays his wages!"
Paul's daughter's dedication to racing is easy to admire but John McCririck's words just annoy
To judge from their antics on Wednesday, I think I am on safe ground in saying that not too many former World War Two spies or ex-GCHQ employees have relocated to Ditcheat in recent years. But plenty of Captain Mannerings have, it would appear, to judge from those propping up at the bar at the local!
I'll explain...
Wednesday was my 20th anniversary of training here at Ditcheat and the locals clearly decided to throw a surprise party in the Manor Inn for me in the evening.
How did I know? Well, it helped when someone rang me in the morning and said I will see you in the pub tonight for the celebration!
I decided to have a bit of fun with them, so I went in the pub for a coke and sandwich as usual on Wednesday afternoon and just mentioned in passing that "I could really do without going up to London for a Betfair dinner this evening."
You have never seen so many faces drop at once, as they all hurried for their phones!
But we obviously had a great night and hopefully it will be business as usual for me now after the back operation, as I am due to make my return to the racetrack at Chepstow on Saturday.
Georgie rides out Master Minded, so she will be in charge at Aintree. And hopefully it will be smiles all round for the family there as my 14-year-old daughter Megan rides her pony Wotarisk in the 148cm and under pony race before racing.
These are the pony race finals and the best 15 in each category (the other being 138cm and under) line up and Megan will be fancying her chances as Wotarisk has won at Chepstow, Kempton, Ascot and Newbury, while only losing out to by a short head to Miss Wonderful.
It's a big day for all the kids who have been hard at it since March, and if dedication is any route to success, Megan should go close; for the past fortnight she has been riding out in the dark before school.
One person who would be better off going out in the dark in disguise when he gets back from America is John McCririck after a disgracefully misleading, and over the top, article about the whip in Thursday's Daily Mail.
At one point, he wrote - and yes, this actually appeared in the paper - that "after all, if speed is all that matters, regardless of the animal's welfare, then why not attach electrodes to horses' private parts? The electric current would certainly send them shooting round the course."
Well, having spoken to many professionals in racing since then, I think we have an alternative use for the electrodes.
In all seriousness though, I stand by my Thursday tweet that he does racing more harm than good on many occasions - and this was one. He should think before he sounds off, and remember racing pays his wages!
Because what I read in the Mail just wasn't on, and trust me it has angered many jockeys, trainers and owners.
Show More
yes brigust..perhaps...and dont get me wrong i am not a great admirer of Big mac..
but it seems to me there are many other people in racing who are just a guilty of hypocrisy...inconsistencies and hyperbole as well.....
dont think big mac should take the majority of the falck for tarnishing racings image...
no one comes out of this mess with much credit imo.
but it seems to me there are many other people in racing who are just a guilty of hypocrisy...inconsistencies and hyperbole as well.....
dont think big mac should take the majority of the falck for tarnishing racings image...
no one comes out of this mess with much credit imo.
brigust1 21 Oct 11 17:55
Egner, there is every likelihood that PN was only given half of the story by the BHA just as the jockeys were. I think they canvassed opinion slyly in the hope it would hold water when they were released.
Very underhand.
----------------------
or, NAIVE.
Egner, there is every likelihood that PN was only given half of the story by the BHA just as the jockeys were. I think they canvassed opinion slyly in the hope it would hold water when they were released.
Very underhand.
----------------------
or, NAIVE.
I wouldn't have PN down as being naive, Onlooker. And Egner I too am a little disgusted with some of the hypocrisy.
Mark Johnston for example. Was he for it or against it? He was on the BHA board wasn't he?
Mark Johnston for example. Was he for it or against it? He was on the BHA board wasn't he?
did mac do racing more harm than on one of racings biggest saturdays,in the racings flag ship headline,[not the mail ],mr nichols wrote ,ive left plenty to work on ,denman cant win of that weight and we,, be delighted if he finishes in the 1st 6,
which upset punters most answers or tweets to mr nichols
which upset punters most answers or tweets to mr nichols
brigust -
You were referring to the BHA Whip committee being "Very underhand."
.... SO was I.
You were referring to the BHA Whip committee being "Very underhand."
.... SO was I.
Dont let your misguided hatred for big mac deflect from the fact british racing is on its knees
And instead of stuffing his face and slagging meaningless people off , pumpkin would be better served adressing more pressing matters for his owners such as the shocking prize money and whip rules that were probbably drawn up by pulling the answer out of a hat
And instead of stuffing his face and slagging meaningless people off , pumpkin would be better served adressing more pressing matters for his owners such as the shocking prize money and whip rules that were probbably drawn up by pulling the answer out of a hat
McCririck popularity has been waining since he went on BB, so what does he do??? He bites the hand that has fed him for all these years with his stupid comments. All this in my opinion is an attempt to envigorate a flagging career.I would not be surprised if he gets dropped from our screens soon and the quicker the better for me.
McCririck popularity has been waining since he went on BB, so what does he do??? He bites the hand that has fed him for all these years with his stupid comments. All this in my opinion is an attempt to envigorate a flagging career.I would not be surprised if he gets dropped from our screens soon and the quicker the better for me.
See the point of all this that Big Mouth goes to a rag that'll print anything anyone says that will shock anyone 'Don't let the truth get in the way of a good story'. But what they failed to tell their readers about St John the patron St of whipless racing is while on one hand he's screaming blue murder about jockeys and their barbaric whips on the other hand he's a lover of hare-coursing and fox-hunting..And that your honour is what makes John Mcririck the fecking hypocrite in all this.
I started a thread about Big Mouth Mac a gew days ago.
I make no apology, whatsoever, for reproducing it ...
-------------------------------------------------
IT'S TIME FOR ALL FACTIONS OF RACING TO 'COLD SHOULDER' BIG MAC.
onlooker: 16 Oct 11 18:56
Apparently the egotistical Oaf is currently appearing on yet another of those horrendous 'Reality TV' programmes.
This one being Coach Trip - a programme that I have successfully manage to swerve, so far.
However -[b] at the very same time as that nonsense is being broadcast - and watched by the lower cell count of the populace - he is also 'representing RACING' on the BBC and SKY NEWS - and anybody else who will contact him.
What an arrogant, self-serving, contrast ...
COACH TRIP - and the BIGGEST issue to hit RACING in decades.
It's surely time for all factions of RACING to say ...
'You've had a good run Mac - and extorted a good living out of the game - that to many, beggars belief'.
But sensible people in RACING can see straight through your 'split-personalty' - and, quite frankly, you have become an embarrassment ...
Be that either on a Coach - or, on the NEWS.
I make no apology, whatsoever, for reproducing it ...
-------------------------------------------------
IT'S TIME FOR ALL FACTIONS OF RACING TO 'COLD SHOULDER' BIG MAC.
onlooker: 16 Oct 11 18:56
Apparently the egotistical Oaf is currently appearing on yet another of those horrendous 'Reality TV' programmes.
This one being Coach Trip - a programme that I have successfully manage to swerve, so far.
However -[b] at the very same time as that nonsense is being broadcast - and watched by the lower cell count of the populace - he is also 'representing RACING' on the BBC and SKY NEWS - and anybody else who will contact him.
What an arrogant, self-serving, contrast ...
COACH TRIP - and the BIGGEST issue to hit RACING in decades.
It's surely time for all factions of RACING to say ...
'You've had a good run Mac - and extorted a good living out of the game - that to many, beggars belief'.
But sensible people in RACING can see straight through your 'split-personalty' - and, quite frankly, you have become an embarrassment ...
Be that either on a Coach - or, on the NEWS.
"You've had a good run Mac - and extorted a good living out of the game....."
For a failed bookmaker, failed punter, failed journalist, he has had a good run !
C4 Racing threw him a lifeline and he came up smelling of roses !
But has become an embarrassment with his antics on BB, and not to mention his 'John McCririck S-e-x Education tape' on YouTube !
On C4 Racing he has had entertainment value, but some of his rants like this whip issue
hardly give a balanced view on the subject!
For a failed bookmaker, failed punter, failed journalist, he has had a good run !
C4 Racing threw him a lifeline and he came up smelling of roses !
But has become an embarrassment with his antics on BB, and not to mention his 'John McCririck S-e-x Education tape' on YouTube !
On C4 Racing he has had entertainment value, but some of his rants like this whip issue
hardly give a balanced view on the subject!
Onlooker, I am with you. I have not watched The Morningline or C4 racing for yrs, but I do see him on ATR now and again. Why employ someone who is doing his level best to bite the hand that feeds it? Self-inflicated wounds, unbelieveable.
Right wing extremist, sexist, his views are repugnant - why did C4 allow him to review the papers and spout his extremist political views? Review racing if he has to be on it (and I would not allow him on it), but why allow him to make party political points? The man has no place and any self-respecting racing broadcaster would realise this.
Right wing extremist, sexist, his views are repugnant - why did C4 allow him to review the papers and spout his extremist political views? Review racing if he has to be on it (and I would not allow him on it), but why allow him to make party political points? The man has no place and any self-respecting racing broadcaster would realise this.
Big Mac is by no means all bad imo and for his work in raising both the profile and funds on behalf of Greatwood (for which it is essential that his public profile is high) I'm prepared to forgive him things like CBB, Coach Trip, Wife Swap etc.
Gerry, I give money to Greatwoood. I am sure you do too. I am sure Greatwood desperately need the money he raises for them. But racing has given him the platform he uses to raise money for that cause - why now (in what is (hopefully) his swan song) use that platform to wreck the sport he claims to love?
RC
I'm sure that Mac believes (like me) that banning the whip will actually safeguard the future of the sport - not bring about its demise.
I'm sure that Mac believes (like me) that banning the whip will actually safeguard the future of the sport - not bring about its demise.
Moreover, I really do not believe it is a point of principle but a point of exposure for him - he is a known contrarian and will do whatever necessary to get 5 more mins of coverage.
Fair enough GG - I suspect he is merely a trouble causer, but even if he firmly believes what you say, I am not sure that belief is well founded.
If Big Mac is really anti-whip he will express his views at the Breeders Cup. I haven't heard him say one word in previous years because the Yanks will give him short shrift. So if he truly believes the whip should be banned should he be being paid to front a race meeting where the whip use is probably as excessive as anywhere in the world?
If he takes their money but says nothing he is morally bankrupt. Imo.
If he takes their money but says nothing he is morally bankrupt. Imo.
And as McCririck pointed out when reviewing Spencer's ride on Cape Blanco, the whips they use in the USA might not be air-cushioned.
lol
Head count please...
Hands up if you actually LIKE big mac?!
Head count please...
Hands up if you actually LIKE big mac?!
McCririck bites the hand that feeds him and forgets that racing pays his wages.
What do these comments mean exactly? They mean that Big Mac should not rock the boat by taking an extreme view (or a different view from Nicholls) on a subject where the rest of the industry is completely dis-united. WALOFS. If everyone took that view then nothing would ever change for the better. To his credit at least JMcC has always been consistent, which is more than a lot of jockeys, trainers, pundits and forumites.
You may disagree with Big Mac on the whip but that is no reason for low-life personal abuse. Unless, of course, that is what you want from others when your opinion is regarded as out of step.
What do these comments mean exactly? They mean that Big Mac should not rock the boat by taking an extreme view (or a different view from Nicholls) on a subject where the rest of the industry is completely dis-united. WALOFS. If everyone took that view then nothing would ever change for the better. To his credit at least JMcC has always been consistent, which is more than a lot of jockeys, trainers, pundits and forumites.
You may disagree with Big Mac on the whip but that is no reason for low-life personal abuse. Unless, of course, that is what you want from others when your opinion is regarded as out of step.
R U Leslie, R U Leslie. RRRRRRRRRRR U Leslie in diguise???....
If Mr McCririck wants to live by the sword and all that. He's hardly held back having a go at people and to mention electrodes to a National Newspaper isnt being sensationalist then i dont know what is.
And if this so called "Public Perception" is so vital then he could have hardly picked a worse time to air those kind of views to the press
And if this so called "Public Perception" is so vital then he could have hardly picked a worse time to air those kind of views to the press
Regardless of personal views of Big Mac,he has brought more into racing than he has taken out,financially or otherwise.
I disagree completely with his views regarding the whip and more besides however give credit where due.
Cue Julian Wilson fans who did more for MOSS BROS than he ever did for racing or any other cause.
I disagree completely with his views regarding the whip and more besides however give credit where due.
Cue Julian Wilson fans who did more for MOSS BROS than he ever did for racing or any other cause.
Lads, havent you got owt better to do on a Fri Night than squabble over a 71 yr old with Parkinsons?
Tip - i find sexist views and his right wing views repugnant and wondered why he was given a platform to spout them on a racing programme. I do not apologise for that. I also think he enjoys playing the sideshow idiot, that is how he has amassed his fortune, and now he is going out of his way to run down the sport. His language is deliberately inflamatory, he knows exactly what he is doing, but it gives him the opportunity to get on natinal TV for 5 mins.
R Carver 21 Oct 11 21:46
Moreover, I really do not believe it is a point of principle buta point of exposure for him - he is a known contrarian and will do whatever necessary to get 5 more mins of coverage.
---------------------------------
Perhaps he actually has realised that his 'grip on the game' IS slipping away.
I actually think that he has an (ulterior) AGENDA here, with his 'BAN the Whip' campaign.
Given the way that he courts exposure - and hogs the limelight - often rudely interrupting every interview broadcast that includes him - in order to turn the Spotlight back on himself ...
Witness his excruciating 'butting in' on Cliff Richard, at Royal Ascot - saying, "Come on Cliff, WE must sing a DUET". (FFS) -
- and then bursting into the most horrendous tone-deaf rendition of Summer Holiday.
Even fellow interviewee, Cilla Black, refrained from joining in on the farce.... and all this self-serving nonsense being broadcast on a Racing Channel.
Living outside of the limelight must be purgatory for him - and the thought of being 'gone and forgotten' probably haunts him.
Sohe needs a lEGACY
Obviously, being remembered for moronic appearances on Big Brother - and all the other dumb-downed dross that he has descended to - won't look too good on his CV, when he presents it to St Peter ...
So, what better than to be remembered as 'The man who got the whip banned'.
Self-interest AGENDA - nothing but.
'Away with you
Moreover, I really do not believe it is a point of principle buta point of exposure for him - he is a known contrarian and will do whatever necessary to get 5 more mins of coverage.
---------------------------------
Perhaps he actually has realised that his 'grip on the game' IS slipping away.
I actually think that he has an (ulterior) AGENDA here, with his 'BAN the Whip' campaign.
Given the way that he courts exposure - and hogs the limelight - often rudely interrupting every interview broadcast that includes him - in order to turn the Spotlight back on himself ...
Witness his excruciating 'butting in' on Cliff Richard, at Royal Ascot - saying, "Come on Cliff, WE must sing a DUET". (FFS) -
- and then bursting into the most horrendous tone-deaf rendition of Summer Holiday.
Even fellow interviewee, Cilla Black, refrained from joining in on the farce.... and all this self-serving nonsense being broadcast on a Racing Channel.
Living outside of the limelight must be purgatory for him - and the thought of being 'gone and forgotten' probably haunts him.
Sohe needs a lEGACY
Obviously, being remembered for moronic appearances on Big Brother - and all the other dumb-downed dross that he has descended to - won't look too good on his CV, when he presents it to St Peter ...
So, what better than to be remembered as 'The man who got the whip banned'.
Self-interest AGENDA - nothing but.
'Away with you
Like many others I disagree strongly with John McCririck´s political views, and his personal habits may be questionable, though having never watched BB I wouldn´t know.
But none of that matters when it comes to racing. What I do know is that I respect McCririck for being the only racing pundit to have the balls to express opinions that are consistently at odds with the cosy club to which he belongs, and for being the only racing journalist - including those at the Guardian - to recognise how important punters are to horseracing and consistently defend their interests.
It´s just a pity that so many punters are too ignorant, or blinded by their hatred of the man, to see it.
But none of that matters when it comes to racing. What I do know is that I respect McCririck for being the only racing pundit to have the balls to express opinions that are consistently at odds with the cosy club to which he belongs, and for being the only racing journalist - including those at the Guardian - to recognise how important punters are to horseracing and consistently defend their interests.
It´s just a pity that so many punters are too ignorant, or blinded by their hatred of the man, to see it.
Just like he will always be remembered as the man who persuaded Sheikh Mohammed and Princess Haya to run New Approach in the Derby?
Or so he claimed!
glentoby, so what has brought into racing? Not being sarcastic, btw, genuine question.
Or so he claimed!
glentoby, so what has brought into racing? Not being sarcastic, btw, genuine question.
glentoby
21 Oct 11 22:37
Joined:
12 Mar 06
| Topic/replies: 4,489 | Blogger: glentoby's blog
Red Monkey,do you have a mirror?
=ironic post(nb)
21 Oct 11 22:37
Joined:
12 Mar 06
| Topic/replies: 4,489 | Blogger: glentoby's blog
Red Monkey,do you have a mirror?
=ironic post(nb)
I said on another thread I did not have any problem with McCririck giving his opinion on the whip. 'Racing's' problem is that it is the ONLY opinion given to the non-racing public.
Tip, I agree with some of that, but it is a lamentable state of affairs when he is the only one (or one of very few, besides the likes of Greg Wood and Chris Cook in the national press) to do so.
He may not always be right , who is , but at least big mac takes a view
not like the rest , to busy slurping gravy with the fear of it being taken away
not like the rest , to busy slurping gravy with the fear of it being taken away
'Racing's' problem is that it is the ONLY opinion given to the non-racing public.
George B can you explain what you mean? I haven´t seen or heard JMcC once, though I´ve heard the opinions of plenty other people.
If you disagree with getting rid of the whip altogether fine, but it would still be a better state of affairs than we have now. Horses would still win and lose, but there would never again be whip abuse, or whip bans. Non-triers would be easier to spot, and jockeys would have to be strong or skilful.
George B can you explain what you mean? I haven´t seen or heard JMcC once, though I´ve heard the opinions of plenty other people.
If you disagree with getting rid of the whip altogether fine, but it would still be a better state of affairs than we have now. Horses would still win and lose, but there would never again be whip abuse, or whip bans. Non-triers would be easier to spot, and jockeys would have to be strong or skilful.
I've clearly slipped into a parallel dimension of Big Mac the moral crusader and boat rocker. Surreal. If anti-whip mob have him as there champion maybe things arent so bad
Believe me Jumps lovers, this could be the Beginning of the End for NH Racing. ALL sides have played an awful innings here.
How could have things gone so horribly wrong with a bleedin ten month consultation process????
How could have things gone so horribly wrong with a bleedin ten month consultation process????
Tiptheodds, was there someone on a non-racing programme / news bulletin who presented a case for the keeping the whip? If there was, I apologise, I missed it
Surely non-triers would be harder to spot. For example, weren't the alleged air-shots the crucial evidence against Dean McKeown?
Surely non-triers would be harder to spot. For example, weren't the alleged air-shots the crucial evidence against Dean McKeown?
They are trying to tap em on the shoulder whilst holding the reigns, hoping it wont count.
Barney knows Big mac give nothing to racing "All you done john is take, take,take"
George B,fair question and in terms of a breakdown of + and - impossible to quantify.
In simplest terms,he has spent decades getting people to come racing,received a pittance in salary pro rata to effort and success.
Compare him with RFC and BHA efforts and he has represented good value for money.
Red H Monkey,glad you got the irony.
In simplest terms,he has spent decades getting people to come racing,received a pittance in salary pro rata to effort and success.
Compare him with RFC and BHA efforts and he has represented good value for money.
Red H Monkey,glad you got the irony.
Truth is that in a consultation process if one 'side' is either to busy / thick / disinterested (e.g. jockeys / trainers) to be involved and the other 'side' is on a mission (e.g. RSPCA). Then the outcome is inevitable. The 'racing' BHA board members are not horsemen (I include MJ here) so intuitively would not foresee a significant issue.
We can round in circles forever arguing for or against the whip. They should either ban it completely or allow its use without a limited number of strikes - but with harsh penalties for excessive force / use / not giving a horse a chance to respond.
Zilal - this is my fear. Salami tactics, they will, piece by piece, cut the game back under misguided animal welfare ideals. NH racing is vulnerable.
TiptheOdds.
You are talking from within racing, as a fan and follower of the game.
Sadly, for Racing's image - and image being the operative word here -
The General Public - who are, of course, outside of the game - see McCririck as the mouthpiece 'Representative of Racing'.
That General Public - Having watched all his antics on Big Brother, et al - and now COACH TRIP - when he would NOT be seen anywhere NEAR a Coach, were he not be being well paid - look upon him as ONE entity.
They don't take the time to think something like - He must be a clever man, who knows racing inside out.
They are far more likely think of him AS THEY SEE HIM on those shows -
a jewellery wearing odd-ball, with the dress sense of a Picasso picture, and the manners of an errant child with attention deficiency syndrome.
WHAT OTHER INDUSTRY IN THE WORLD would let such a caricature be seen as the mouthpiece and, perceived, representative of their product?
You are talking from within racing, as a fan and follower of the game.
Sadly, for Racing's image - and image being the operative word here -
The General Public - who are, of course, outside of the game - see McCririck as the mouthpiece 'Representative of Racing'.
That General Public - Having watched all his antics on Big Brother, et al - and now COACH TRIP - when he would NOT be seen anywhere NEAR a Coach, were he not be being well paid - look upon him as ONE entity.
They don't take the time to think something like - He must be a clever man, who knows racing inside out.
They are far more likely think of him AS THEY SEE HIM on those shows -
a jewellery wearing odd-ball, with the dress sense of a Picasso picture, and the manners of an errant child with attention deficiency syndrome.
WHAT OTHER INDUSTRY IN THE WORLD would let such a caricature be seen as the mouthpiece and, perceived, representative of their product?
McCririck is an act like a lot of tv personalities, they crave attention what you see in public isn't always what you see off camera.
Does anyone really believe that McCririck was pro fox hunting etc?, or was he cleverly used by those involved in the national hunt game to forward their cause, all to no avail as it turned out, no doubt Paul Nichols was delighted with Big Mac's pro stance.
Does anyone really believe that McCririck was pro fox hunting etc?, or was he cleverly used by those involved in the national hunt game to forward their cause, all to no avail as it turned out, no doubt Paul Nichols was delighted with Big Mac's pro stance.
Tip you must be living in the outback. Big Mac is the only person with a view. He shouts at everybody and bullies his views forward. Plus he is probably the least knowledgeable of all the racing pundits. Definitely a case of he who shouts loudest.
As far as being the punters friend that is a complete crock of sh@t.
British racing has numerous knowledgable pundits but they never get a look in and that is both dangeous and damaging for the image of our sport. Had Jim McGrath, for example, been asked for his views on 5live or other media outlets do you not think the coverage would have been completely different?
If the loudest and most prominent spokesman represented the vast majority that is fine but in ths instance the loudest and most prominent represents the tiny minority. That can only be bad. In any language.
As far as being the punters friend that is a complete crock of sh@t.
British racing has numerous knowledgable pundits but they never get a look in and that is both dangeous and damaging for the image of our sport. Had Jim McGrath, for example, been asked for his views on 5live or other media outlets do you not think the coverage would have been completely different?
If the loudest and most prominent spokesman represented the vast majority that is fine but in ths instance the loudest and most prominent represents the tiny minority. That can only be bad. In any language.
Glen, what is his salary? received a pittance in salary pro rata to effort and success
More irony?!
It appears to me has made a fortune form the game - whatever the case, he's never paid to get in, and travelling around the world covering racing would be most forumites idea of a dream job.
More irony?!
It appears to me has made a fortune form the game - whatever the case, he's never paid to get in, and travelling around the world covering racing would be most forumites idea of a dream job.
Onlooker,do the general public think he is representative of horse racing? Did he or does he actually use these shows as a platform for his views on the industry?
R Carver...........read pro rata to the rancid idiots controlling the industry/destroying it.I dont know what you consider "a fortune" but 1.01 he does not have one from his employment.nap
I rather think racing was MORE popular BEFORE Big Mac became its best known face. And as has been said endlessly,when he gets his paid-for jamboree to the Breeders Cup why not a squeak out of the fat fart re the whipping over there ?
what you see in public isn't always what you see off camera.
You are 100% right - he's even more unpleasant in real life, imo...
You are 100% right - he's even more unpleasant in real life, imo...
Glen I do think a large proportion of the non-racing public see Big Mac as the front man. Who else would be?
Imagine how damaging that would be for any sport. What Mum or Dad would want their child to be interested in a sport fronted by Big Mac.
Its crazy. Racing needs new followers so do you think his appearance on Big Brother would encorage people to have a look at our sport? I doubt it.
Imagine how damaging that would be for any sport. What Mum or Dad would want their child to be interested in a sport fronted by Big Mac.
Its crazy. Racing needs new followers so do you think his appearance on Big Brother would encorage people to have a look at our sport? I doubt it.
I dont know Brigust what his "character" has been on these shows but I hardly think he brings racing into disrepute.
Most of the population probably havent a clue who he is/was/might be so hardly likely he has put anyone off.
A bit like saying Tommy Cooper,Freddie Starr and Bernard Manning damaged your mum and put millions off comedy?
As opposed to the anti christ,he and they keep/kept their professions in the public eye?
Most of the population probably havent a clue who he is/was/might be so hardly likely he has put anyone off.
A bit like saying Tommy Cooper,Freddie Starr and Bernard Manning damaged your mum and put millions off comedy?
As opposed to the anti christ,he and they keep/kept their professions in the public eye?
John McCririck is perhaps the only pundit I can remember to stick his head above the parapet and publicly decry the big bookmakers over their manipulation of the markets. He is the only guy who calls for non-starters to be automatically declared NRs. And he believes that racings interests would be better served by the abolition of the whip.
Unlike some on here I have no interest in his personality, or his political opinions, or what clothes he wears, and I don´t believe his appearance on BB or any other mainstream show would do anything to affect racings audience. But I believe John McCririck loves racing and by expressing his outspoken opinions so strongly, far from riding racings gravy train like so many pathetic excuses for pundits at RUK/ATR/RP/C4 he risks losing his job. It is a sad state of affairs that he is the only one apart from perhaps Paul Haigh to stand up and be counted but racing will be poorer without him imo.
Unlike some on here I have no interest in his personality, or his political opinions, or what clothes he wears, and I don´t believe his appearance on BB or any other mainstream show would do anything to affect racings audience. But I believe John McCririck loves racing and by expressing his outspoken opinions so strongly, far from riding racings gravy train like so many pathetic excuses for pundits at RUK/ATR/RP/C4 he risks losing his job. It is a sad state of affairs that he is the only one apart from perhaps Paul Haigh to stand up and be counted but racing will be poorer without him imo.
Paul Haigh had a stab at NH racing repeatedly. His columns in the end were a mixture of the profoundly boring and a personal sla&&ing off of NH racing.
Two bizarre replies - one grouping Tommy Cooper and Bernard Manning (often called upon by Sky news to comment on the state of british comedy) and the other suggesting Big Mac NOT partaken of the gravy over the years. Again, surreal. I have personally seen Big Mac pouring free gravy at York and HQ.
Paul Haig had the corage of his convictions unlike Big Mac.
And please don't give me this tripe about bookmakers and markets. He was a failed bookmaker and confesses regularly he knows nothing about bookmaking.
And calling for non starters to be declared non-runners who is he speaking for please? If all non starters were made non-runners the bookies would impose a Rule4, 8 runner races etc would lose a 3rd place payout. Like I said shouting nonsense is one thing but who does he speak for? NOT ME.
Add to that the majority of punters plus virtually the whole racing industry DISAGREES with his views on the whip yet his are the most prominent.
However you dress this clown up he DOES NOT SPEAK FOR ME OR FOR THE RACING INDUSTRY.
Get it?
Not me.
And please don't give me this tripe about bookmakers and markets. He was a failed bookmaker and confesses regularly he knows nothing about bookmaking.
And calling for non starters to be declared non-runners who is he speaking for please? If all non starters were made non-runners the bookies would impose a Rule4, 8 runner races etc would lose a 3rd place payout. Like I said shouting nonsense is one thing but who does he speak for? NOT ME.
Add to that the majority of punters plus virtually the whole racing industry DISAGREES with his views on the whip yet his are the most prominent.
However you dress this clown up he DOES NOT SPEAK FOR ME OR FOR THE RACING INDUSTRY.
Get it?
Not me.
Cant disagree with RC on that one,Paul had a profound dislike of NH,wanted a nanny monopoly and loved cricket.
Deluded,disillusioned and downright boring unless you wanted to discuss the Wokingham.
Deluded,disillusioned and downright boring unless you wanted to discuss the Wokingham.
glentoby 21 Oct 11 23:10
Onlooker,do the general public think he is representative of horse racing? Did he or does he actually use these shows as a platform for his views on the industry?
-------------------
No, he does not, "USE these shows as a platform for his views on the industry."
He uses them as a platform for himself.
That being of no benefit to racing, though.
Onlooker,do the general public think he is representative of horse racing? Did he or does he actually use these shows as a platform for his views on the industry?
-------------------
No, he does not, "USE these shows as a platform for his views on the industry."
He uses them as a platform for himself.
That being of no benefit to racing, though.
as a bookmaker he laid a fav for money he did not have, in his own words if it lost he was going to do a runner .
says everthing you need to know about the ****
says everthing you need to know about the ****
I agree with onlooker and brigust, he must put off non followers of our sport.
My middle class brothers and previous boyfriends have always looked down on my horseracing habit as seedy and stupid, maybe due in part to people like mccririck. The only time I received a glimmer of respect for the sport was when I told my FRICS ( fellow of the royal society of chartered surveyors ) brother that a chartered surveyor had won more than half a million pounds in total by twice winning the ten to follow competition in the racing post. He was genuinely shocked that a fellow surveyor could be interested in our great sport.
My middle class brothers and previous boyfriends have always looked down on my horseracing habit as seedy and stupid, maybe due in part to people like mccririck. The only time I received a glimmer of respect for the sport was when I told my FRICS ( fellow of the royal society of chartered surveyors ) brother that a chartered surveyor had won more than half a million pounds in total by twice winning the ten to follow competition in the racing post. He was genuinely shocked that a fellow surveyor could be interested in our great sport.
So what is the problem in that respect onlooker?
No better or worse than the talent less crap on tv in the UK,doesnt do bad for his age imo.
I will not go back on tv,persecution on here is enough,I disagree with most of his views,as per my first post.
However I wont knock him regarding his contribution to racing,UNLIKE HIS CRITICS,on the whole,he is still working.
How many on here have even had a job?
No better or worse than the talent less crap on tv in the UK,doesnt do bad for his age imo.
I will not go back on tv,persecution on here is enough,I disagree with most of his views,as per my first post.
However I wont knock him regarding his contribution to racing,UNLIKE HIS CRITICS,on the whole,he is still working.
How many on here have even had a job?
He's been thrown off a TV chat show for cheap, nasty, thoroughly offensive sexism and misogyny.
He's regularly rude and abusive to members of the public while broadcasting.
He calls his co-presenter not by her name, but 'female'.
The other women he works with are referred to as 'the saucy minx', and 'the pouting heiress'.
He postures to care about the public image of racing, yet thinks absolutely nothing about going wherever the money takes him, however damaging it is to the sport he represents - this includes making low grade sex videos and appesring on live TV cage fighting in his underpants.
Without any doubt, there is no other industry, or any field of broadcasting where someone who behaves in this way would still have a career, let alone be allowed to become the go to figure whenever the media need a soundbite about racing.
Yet in this industry, we all just accept the above, as if somehow having a sexist, recationary, loud mouth, right wing freak show doing untold damage to racing is something we just have to put up with.
It isn't, however...
He's regularly rude and abusive to members of the public while broadcasting.
He calls his co-presenter not by her name, but 'female'.
The other women he works with are referred to as 'the saucy minx', and 'the pouting heiress'.
He postures to care about the public image of racing, yet thinks absolutely nothing about going wherever the money takes him, however damaging it is to the sport he represents - this includes making low grade sex videos and appesring on live TV cage fighting in his underpants.
Without any doubt, there is no other industry, or any field of broadcasting where someone who behaves in this way would still have a career, let alone be allowed to become the go to figure whenever the media need a soundbite about racing.
Yet in this industry, we all just accept the above, as if somehow having a sexist, recationary, loud mouth, right wing freak show doing untold damage to racing is something we just have to put up with.
It isn't, however...
Annie,no disrespect but Big Mac has more respect than your FRICS.nap
Millhouse.................."SCRIPT"...............look it up ffs.
Totally agree, millhouse.
I do not agree with all this politically correct rubbish, but the way he talks to and about women and touches them makes my flesh creep. And once you have seen him picking his nose and eating it you will never, ever forget it when you see him.
I do not agree with all this politically correct rubbish, but the way he talks to and about women and touches them makes my flesh creep. And once you have seen him picking his nose and eating it you will never, ever forget it when you see him.
Get him to choose between the whip and no more diet coke for the rest of his puff and we'll see his level of conviction.
Annie,he has never picked his nose and eaten it,has he?
Last time I looked he still had his nose.
Last time I looked he still had his nose.
Haha he is a one off , unique , lets appreciate him while we have him
Annie, I don't want to be all Richard Madeley about it, but I've no doubt that women smart enough to be working in live broadcasting don't enjoy being referred to in this way.
But it's as if everyone in this industry is immune to it now - despite the fact that we are having to watch thoroughly unpleasant sexism virtually every time he appears on TV...
But it's as if everyone in this industry is immune to it now - despite the fact that we are having to watch thoroughly unpleasant sexism virtually every time he appears on TV...
In fairness I'm ambivalent to him other than if used as a way in for disinformation from animal rights / welfare groups. Thats his true naivety if he actually loves racing.
Peter 0`Sullevan
John McCririck.
The best known faces of racing at different times.
Says it all.
John McCririck.
The best known faces of racing at different times.
Says it all.
LOL Millhouse,at least he was never nicked for stealing aftershave and booze!!!!!!!!
Purely by numbers SS - Claire Balding would be up there in recent times with the GN and Derby. Now if she started a whip / horse cruelty tirade on the news, then I'd be way more worried.
Balding has become the new Sue Barker. Is there a sport she doesn`t cover ?
yer ma,we are still waiting Annies response/explanation to her middle class FRICS brothers astonishment to an interest IN THE SPORT OF KINGS!!!!!
Annie?.............Millhouse et al,all questions asked responded to?
Annie?.............Millhouse et al,all questions asked responded to?
Fellow of The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors 
I used to take Peter O Sullevan bets, salmon spray, he was a gentleman. If I had to take mccririck's bets I would disinfect the phone afterwards
Yer Man I suggest Claire Balding would put forward a well balanced and intelligent overview of the use of the whip unlike BM who is only interested in his view. Not the industry's or anyone else's. He is aspokesman for himself. That is all he is. He represents no-one but himself.
And to think if Barney hadn't stepped in and saved him he would have been barred from all of Britain's racecourses.
And to think if Barney hadn't stepped in and saved him he would have been barred from all of Britain's racecourses.
That much we gathered SS,why the middle class comment along with words like "seedy" ex boyfriends etc?
Clooor Badling FRIGS.nap
Clooor Badling FRIGS.nap
Put an electrode on Fat Boy from Ditcheat and see how he feels.
He would soon decide that whips were not such a good idea.
Alveston aint proud of him
He would soon decide that whips were not such a good idea.
Alveston aint proud of him
I am sorry glentoby, but the post is clear surely? I suggest you read it again.
Never mind the whip for a minute,Dutch 1 x 5 at Hawth,bank it and then reconsider.nap
Post Your Reply
Please login to post a reply.
Wonder
Instance ID: 13539