Cyc: I got pins-and-needles reading that! I suggested something similar (just suggested, that's all) to that bugger Millard on SL Radio many years ago that it quite possibly did not make that much difference I was castigated, ridiculed, laughed-at, you name it. Bloody load of overly-opinionated characters run that thing. Never ever emailed them again. Screw them....................
I think a lot of people over think the game Swanny. A horse is not a machine, they are no different to us. Put us against the clock week in week out, and you'll find that the times rarely match. So a few pounds is is not going to be that big a deal. If an 80kg man has to carry a few extra ounces, will he feel the difference?
Cyc: Sorry, went overboard a bit I guess. But your comment was just about exactly how I put it to SL. I just cannot see how it makes that much difference to a strong, full-quartered horse? OK, a pony-sized one, well a big weight surely does affect its performance, but not the big sods. One thing Millard used to harp on about at least twice a week, probably still does, don't listen any more. And that was "...and what's the most important thing in horseracing?" Answer was always "...the going". Have to agree with him there, the ground conditions are critical, for sure.
Arkle was supreme in his weight carrying performances but as already been discussed big horses can carry big weights! He never really showed the speed to win the range of races Kauto Star has, in my opinion!
Ha ha! One of my regrets is that I only joined BBC606 last December so I completely missed out on this guy, I assume he was banned by then! He sounded a hoot though
Imagine your most deluded and stubborn 109 year old great Uncle who refuses to believe that grass is green......
Having been off the forum for the last week or so, I looked at the title of this thread and assumed there'd been another load of arguments on here I watched the race with all the family around me opening presents and just went ballistic when he crosed the line - it's wonderful to be able to cheer like that when you donlt have a copper coin on the horse. Great champion and don't care if he's the greatest ever or not - he's my favourite chaser ever and that's all i was really bothered about. Happy new year all.
I thought it might have been you with another account - and bet you bloody thoguht it was me!!!!!!!!!!
