i know watchit.

do you remember the 'BECKS' bloke who went on DRAGONS DEN...?

The need to stay on the train and ruffle no feathers.Look how Lydia was treated when she said something about A.P.He refused to talk to the channel.

good on her TT...at least she showed some b@lls imv...

toomany GUTLESS WONDER's out there for my liking.

Truth be told I was never told 'don't criticise jocks/trainers etc' and when I did make inference to things - christ if you knew my views on some of the practices that go on in UK racing you'd fall off your chair and I firmly believe I'm 100% correct on them - I was never told tone it down either - so fair play to the production team for giving me reign there.

However I know when Lydia in the past (and fair play to that girl, she loves the game and isn't scared to throw the boot in, or at least wasn't & I have a lot of respect for her even though sometimes she goes on a bit and drives me mad ..) made references to bad rides like AP's @ Ascot on Jonjo's cheltenham horse - well you saw what happened.

At the end of the day most of the presenters and pundits need the wage, they have families to support, being on track three/four days a week gets you friendly with the jocks/trainers - they simply don't want to rock the boat which in turn might lead to complaints from the 'inner sanctum' - interviews not being given and general issues which the channel who ultimately employ them - don't want or need.

Not saying I agree with it, I don't but ultimately it's a harsh world out there and I can understand 'towing the line' rather than sticking the head above the proverbial parapet.

correct TRD....

thanx for the response studious...

not keen on the 'towing the line' stance tho tbh...

these people are on the telly to give THEIR view...

if they see something 'iffy'they SHOULD say so.

like i say i couldn't sleep at night thinking i'd seen something and not spoke up about it.

and as for 'putting food on the table'...

if they are as good as they are supposed to be (and they are employed because they are SUPPOSED to know what they are talking about) then they should be able to make £ from thier own opinion.

sad state of affairs really...

anyway thanx for the response studious...

I like the presenters and pundits who you know are players.Nothing worse than listening to someone who either doesn't bet or bets peanuts.Back it up with hard cash.

T.R.D - you're spot on and in fact in the US for example things are much more open and up for debate.  I think the incestuous nature of UK racing lends itself to a lot of the people at the top end adopting the attitude that they are above questioning - they care for their circles and little outside of them.

It's a backward attitude but it's always been there - it's the original sport of the landed gentry after all and though times have changed attitudes take longer to do so imo.

Watchit - yes I did and do frequently to the lads who I talk to my punting and theories about daily.  If you knew the preparation Vintage Crop had when it was sent over for the 1993 Melbourne Cup you wouldn't believe it and things naturally have moved forward leaps in the two decades since.

Right, before I get myself into trouble it's time to sign off - bit of dinner and then gotta work on trying to back a few horses at York that don't finish where binoculars are needed to find 'em.

Who did that swardean?

Maybe he wanted to get out the car park early lol

It's quite a wonder isn't it watchit!

Anyway nuff said - let's see if the fire burns brightly tomorrow, enjoy all.

Think the main thing is I love it and that's the ingredient that helps to get down to it daily - when I'm hating the game it's because I'm overworking myself and forgetting life exists outside of racing and betting but racing is my passion (was done on that score when my old man took me the track as a 5yo) and touch wood I've been fortunate enough to make it pay for me thus far. 

We could be twins Andy (well except for the age thingy) Good evening btw..

And good evening to my fellow good eggs..

Bet Broonie would love to slide his greasy bonce between Lydia`s ample charlies.

bumper ^

see the rottweiller lassie's husband died when she was filming it watchit...?

i think they were seperated at the time or something...

might have been ex-husband tbh...

sparkling wine...TRICKY this...!!!