We've seen/heard some new commentators in recent months and I would like to say that I think they are all potentially brilliant. David Fitzgerald started off brightly, but I do think he is weak in a finish. Incidentally, he does have a bad habit of guessing the results in a photo finish and he does get some of them wrong.I don't know why he just can't call a photograph for all the tight finishes. Apart from this, he does call the middle part of the race excellently and if he brushes up on the finishes, he will become a top commentator. John Blance of SIS seems to slip under the radar, but he does get the job done. Feedback for him would be to describe the middle parts of the race in a bit more detail because I know he is fantastic. Apart from this, he is a future star and after hearing his commentaries on SIS for the dogs and horse racing abroad, I hope he gets one of the big jobs because he is one of the best at SIS. You either love or hate Matt Chapman but you simply cannot fault his enthusiasm during the race. Loud and powerful behind the mic, but he gets the job done. He doesn't care about the beginning or middle of the race, it's all about the ending. However, he has to describe the middle of the race rather than poxy facts about the horses. He is less likely to get a top job on the commentating front, but I do hope he polishes up on the races. Finally, the commentator who has impressed me a lot is Gary Capewell He has been excellent in all departments and I don't think it'll take him long to get a big commentating job. On twitter he has said that he needs to be offered a new contract, but it would be stupid letting him go. I predict that he'll be on Channel 4 within the next 10 years. He is strong in a finish and describes the race in good detail. Of the new ones, he has been very impressive. I wish them all good luck for the future! Thoughts?
Sparky can you find me a replay with Gary Capewell commentating please when you get time ? sorry if it is a big ask just not sure who he is
Here you are mate. Impressed with this one even though a small field http://www.attheraces.com/VideoConsole/?va=UTT_2012_06_14_02_1830&vaff=24
Ive never really given much thought to commentators in the past other than 3 things; Matt Chapman getting over excited in a 6f claimer at Southwell; Thommo saying he comes the favourite 10 times in the last furlong when he is in fact going backwards; Jim McGrath not realising theres a horse in the race until the line then he calls it for 2nd or 3rd place; Having said that, Simon Holts descriptions of races is sheer class, and i just watched that replay with Gary C commentating and he seemed perfect with his timings, positions and other info...one for the future for certain
Thommo's commentary of frankels debut makes me laugh everytime i hear it..... 'theres not a lot left! Or is there?! And frankels coming away! Or is he?!' Simon Holt definitely the best though
Yes, Simon Holt will never be knocked off the top perch. He's is just awesome. I would use the same superlatives to describe Frankel which would relate to Simon Holt
I don't know too much about UK callers so if I may, can I offer up an old call from one of Australia's legendary callers, Bert Bryant. The race below is the 1998 Cox Plate. It featured Might And Power who had taken the Caulfield - Melbourne Cups the year before. Going into this race, he was the Australian horse of the year. He was ridden by one of the greatest jockeys to have ever left NZ, Jim "pumper" Cassidy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFo3T8SiDIA&feature=related
I will never forget his brilliant commentary on denman winning his second Hennessy under 11st12. One of the first races i ever saw on the tv when i was first getting into horse racing!
As I am young, Simon Holt has always been the number one for me. Although, from what I've heard from Graham Goode, Simon Holt is 1000x better. I have many fond memories of Simon Holt. The commentary I remember most was Best Mate's third Gold Cup - that was brilliant. Still brings a tear to my eye. Persian Punch's Jockey club stakes win was also fantastic. He described the race perfectly.
I love Holt's commentary of Long run's Gold cup when Denman and Kauto were going hammer and tongs at each other. If i had any hair it would have been standing on end. I also really like JA Mcgraths commentary on Sea the Stars' Arc win. -
