Full Details: http://www.racingpost.com/news/live.sd?event_id=1012965 Not too many suprises! The one I am suprised about is Richi Persad joing Channel 4 which I don't think is a good idea. Alice Plunkett will host the Morning Line when Luck isn't around which suggests, although not mentioned, that Lesley Graham had been ditched too. Simon Holt stays as No. 1 Commentator with Richard Hoiles joining him as No. 2. Not my first choice for number 2, but I'm sure we'll cope. Best news is Alastair Down is out! Hurrah! Thoughts?
Christ what a disasterous line up. We all know Persad has been selected on a quota basis...certainly not on talent or charisma Mick Fitzgerald is the most irritating of all...everyone is wonderful,no one ever errs and how great it is always to see a 33/1 shot with dubious credentials winning for a small yard...complete penis. I'll come back for a go at the rest of them after supper!..never good to rant on an empty tummy
Francombe said he wasn't applying so we knew he was out. No Thommo or Cattermole, or McCririck! Hurrah!
Richie Persad getting a job means they must have taken the same recruitment manager on as my local ****ing council. He must have been selected on a PC basis because he's a balls to the wall numpty. Glad to see Francombe go because the guy is arrogant. Likewise McCririck. Kevin Darley, Mick Kinane, OddDog (for his infamous AOB interviews), and RV would be my dream team. - Two nailed on legends, alongside two other former jockeys.
Very sad to see Francome and Down going. Francome may come across as arrogant but he is so knowledgable about the game, especially NH, having been there and done evrything. Mick Fitzgerald does not have 1% of Francome's presence. Alastair Down is one of the old school, his flamboyant use of the english language, coupled with passion and grace made him, for me, the most watchable member of the old team. The rest are rather anonymous sorts, and Rishi is just a joke - whatever reason they saw in taking him, it has nothing to do with talent. I must say I like Richard Hoiles as 2nd commentator - he winds up the commentary nicely during the race and has a good eye for a horse travelling well in behind. I also like his "and horse xyz breeeeeeeeeeezes to the front" Hopefully Nick Luck will get plenty of air time as he is also highly articulate and well worth a listening to. I think Claire Balding will be a good anchor. All in all 7/10 from this correspondent.
Sad to see Down and Francome go. I'll miss them both Can't believe Persad is going to be in the new format. He's a complete numpty (of "Oh look its a horsey" type knowledge). Very releived McCririck has been ditched - he was well past his sell by date. Lesley Graham is no great loss either - bit of a cure for insomniacs
I will miss Francome too because he adds a bit of humour to the Morning Line. It'll be so boring when the changes happen. I can imagine that Tommo will cause the biggest argument considering the troubles he's had. People either love him or hate him and the people that love him will make a meal out of the decision to cut him out. Richard Hoiles is an excellent commentator but not my favourite. I think he's more suited to a racecourse calls instead of just talking to viewers on Channel 4. Personally I think John Hunt would have been a fantastic addition to the Channel 4 team as Simon's No. 2. Mick Fitzgerald is poor and I cannot see him being any help what so ever especially if he's included in the flat coverage which the BBC decided to do - Lord knows why. I've never been a fan of Nick Luck. He tries to impress people with witty 1 liners which aren't funny what so ever. Not sure about Plunkett either on the Morning line. Although I do like her as a host on Channel 4 racing. It'll be interesting to see how it works out.
Agree with Oddy and Jan re JF and AD. They will be missed. Why didn't C4 engage the services of wee Willie Carsehole as well,just to complete the box set... I never watch the Morning Line,between race "fillers",the actual race preamble or the post race platitudes so the personnel is ultimately irrelevant to me. I just like to whinge!
I don't watch Racing UK so I am asking to you all.... What is Graham Cunningham like? Any good? Gina Bryce will be poor too. I rate the new look as 4/10
i'm glad i'm not the only one who likes richard hoiles as a commentator. he seems to pack a lot of information in and, as said above, notices what goes on at the back. i'll never forget when he said something like 'the loose horse is busy rearranging the furniture in the paddock area' but carried on commentating the actual race. which reminds me, i get annoyed when commentators don't mention it when a horse is suddenly out of the race as if they didn't notice. i don't often watch the racing live on channel 4 but i'll see next time if i actually watch it all or keep leaving the room like i usually do (i prefer news and discussion to misty film feature things).
Agree Petito and Oddy..Hoiles is enthusiastic and more than competent. Many more positives than negatives imo.
It's just a case of outing a bunch of amateurs and bringing another bunch in! And Clare Balding is all hands, mouth, drama, and hyperbole. At least they are covering the sport we love, but Channel 4...well, enough said..
i was hesitant about saying much about claire balding but (although presumably she's told to) she does the misty film dramatic stuff that doesn't add anything much to an already exciting sport. we feel anyway, no need to force feelings on us. i don't usually stick my neck out with an opinion, so i'll grab my hat and run- ach, got as far as the fridge..
