Evening all, I was just wondering what people think about the new structure/graphics for ATR? I was really looking forward to the 'improvements' which were going to be brought in, but so far I have been unimpressed. As most of you know, I am a massive fan of ATR and regularly banged on about how good it was compared to RUK. Now, a few things are really annoying. Starting with the graphics, there is no where which states the draw number for a horse during a flat race. The font is very small (my eyes are very good) and it is still quite difficult reading the results and other pieces of information. However, I do like the fact that the prices remain on screen till the race start rather than changing with the exchange prices. On with the structure, and I don't think that there is any need for constant 'Racing news' every hour. It's just a repeat of the programme an hour ago. Yes, two or three times before racing starts, but not every hour. 'On the line' will be a miss but they promise something much better. We'll just have to wait and see!
The lack of draw numbers is annoying! Also sometimes the jockey colours seem to be missing! I'm not a big fan of it at the moment but maybe it will just take some getting used to
Once again a product that wasn't broken has been changed for the sheer damn of it... They got their top Horsey award and thought all glam n glitter... Im not totally in love with it either... Its going to take some time for the graphics to get me onside... Seems to be designed for a 50 inch tv than the little 42 inch one i have... seems a bit crowded with the graphics... But then again its a free station so im more than happy with it that than a host of new fangled graphics...!!!
I know i may be in a minority of one Woolcombe but i strangely like it when Matt Chapman is on. He can make very ordinairy racing watchable and will say what many would shy away from i find. This said i do see why he would annoy many. On this subject i find the racing presenter's job is quite a difficult one as there is a lot of time to kill between races when nothing much is happening, it would be very easy to be a bad racing presenter and quite difficult to be a good one i feel. I think my own team would be Francombe and McGrath (C4) for knowledge and double act humour, Chapman standing in for either to mix it up a bit as i think he would bring out the best and mischievous side of both, Clare Balding for a touch of class at the big meetings with Cattermole and Spencer in the paddock and trackside with Simon holt commentating and Fallon as the guest Jock when available. Definately no place for Parrot and Wilshire, no place for Rishi, Willie, Tanya or Nick Luck either , whilst Big Mac i am not sure if is in or out.
I think I would have Emma up front. Actually Blue, you are in a minority of 2 - I think he's great value.
Being honest you get what you pay for . It will take time to get better ! The horse weights and age are also missing . Ruk is still worse by a mile
To be honest, I think ATR is an absolute snoozefest. It looked **** before, it looks slightly better now. They still have tool academy graduates like Jason Weaver presenting and there is just no class to the show whatsoever. The best part is Get On! when they have some big names on to discuss upcoming races, and whilst MC (Matt Chapman) is one tit short of an udder, he does at least possess enthusiasm andreally does hype up the big races. But to be honest, RUK has most of the best tracks and races, bar Ascot. Both are poor to be honest. Channel 4 would be okay if it had no breaks and no John Francombe, who is possibly more arrogant than Big Mac and needs a giant cockslap. There's my asessment.
I honestly dont care much about who is on any programme as long as willie carson and rishi persad are as far away as possible!
They need to have ATR in HD, I can't get used to watching that low definition rubbish, after watching most other sports in HD.* The one that winds me up the most though is RUK, just because I pay £20 a month. How can you charge someone £20 a month, and not even broadcast the programme's in HD. Disgraceful!* As for the presenters on ATR, I'm going to say it, I actually like Matt Chapman, the guy is funny, yes he does talk alot of ****, but the way he puts his opinion forward is amusing. * I'd rather listen to him than most of the other boring old farts who present the racing. Like that old Yorkshire guy on RUK, who usually does the low key days. His voice is the most depressing, and most boring noise I have ever heard. I actually struggle to watch the programme when he is on, he is that abysmal. John Francome is another boring presenter, he realy is a joke, as are most of the other boring old farts on channel 4. I wouldn't even watch channel 4 as there is no enthusiasm from any of the presenters.* Racing needs to get rid of all these boring and unenthusiastic presenters who have no idea how to entertain an audience. Get Matt Chapman on channel 4, he would do wonders for there coverage *
Someone who came on "On the line' did mention about ATR going to HD and he said they had the boxes, but don't work, so it may come soon. As for RUK, yes they have the best meetings, but having to pay £20 a month in my opinion is bloody highway robbery. It should be free to view as they will get money for advertisement etc. Why not merge the two together? It would make sense.
I say I can’t believe that old boy John Francome is getting some stick on this thread. The ‘Greatest Jockey’ is one of the best products that the county has ever produced and his knowledge of horses and the sport is second to none. Plus he’s a natural broadcaster, unlike so many in the sphere, as he uses his Wiltshire wit and wisdom to maximum effect to entertain and educate his audience. I do agree that Chapman is entertaining and good value which is something else that so many on our screens aren’t. Whether or not you agree or disagree with him the one think that he always does do is encourage debate with his opinions. Unlike the bland and quite frankly dull Claire Balding (she is also getting more patronising and self-important with ever TV appearance), Richie Persad, Nick Luck and worse of all the Plunkett mare.
