It’s my belief that these can be incredibly bland, incredible interesting…or anything in between. These are just a few notes re how trainers come across when interviewed on the old magic tellybox. By far the most honest and relevant, in my opinion, are Lieutenant Henderson and Mr O’Brien. The latter seems to be thinking aloud and mulling things over when he’s interviewed which leads to some forthright and intriguing comments whilst the former always appears laid back and happy to say whatever he likes (especially after a refreshing trip to the ‘Owners and Trainers Bar’!) – I can’t think of many other trainers who would say live on TV that a mare owned by The Queen, 2/2 over hurdles and due to run in a Listed contest in a matter of minutes, wasn’t really any good! Mr Nicholls is always an interesting and a thought-provoking interviewee, old boy Gosden always has a glint in his eye and a decent tale to tell, Mr Charlton is polite and candid, unless Teddy Grimthorpe is within earshot and then he looks Irritated with a capital ‘I’, Alan King always seems about 10 seconds away from committing mass murder, reduced to 5 if JP McManus or one of his ‘crew’ is close by, but William Haggas and Jim Bolger, both highly intelligent men, for some reason seemingly want to put every success down to luck and play the role of simpleton in the process! Sir Mick Stoute always gives the impression he will do a runner at any point during the interview, Dan Skelton continually wants to tell everyone how wonderful his brother is, Charlie Appleby seems a pleasant chap if not totally decisive, dear old Pip Hobbs comes across as a total gentleman but contrastly old boy Prescott as a complete and utter rogue. Mrs Harrington is Class with a Capital ‘C’ and deserves her title as ‘The First Lady of Horse Racing’, Mr Candy like dear old Pip Hobbs presents himself as a gentleman of the highest order, David Elsworth appears constantly peeved, Richard Fahey seems so laid back you suspect someone is holding him up, David O’Meara has a glint in his eye which suggests he knows something you don’t – and he ain’t going to tell, Hugo Palmer seems a bit too suave if you ask me, but Clive Cox seems a lovely chap. Mark Johnston seems to be continually auditioning for the role of the next Victor Meldrew, young Joseph comes across as a thoroughly decent type who is a chip off the old block, Rebecca Curtis acts like she needs to cheer up, old girl Venetia seems a lovely old stick with many a decent anecdote to tell, Harry Fry rather guarded, but Nige Twiston-Davies always, to me, has the look of a Bond villain about him – who knows what is tucked away in that blasted Duffel coat. As for Mr Colin Tizzard…well he deserves a paragraph all to his self re how he presents himself to his public! I know I get shouted at every time I mention the run up to the ’16 King George VI Chase but why he went on every available media outlet, for 7-10 days prior to the decision being made, mulling over in front of the cameras as to whether or not Thistlecrack ran in that great race or the novice equivalent, when the decision never was his to make and he was never going to make it, baffles me. He could by all means privately advise the owners, of his opinion, but they and they alone made the Thistlecrack decision..and were always going to. Colin seems very intent on getting the message across that he is in charge. Is this a sign of his own insecurity or maybe an inferiority complex??? Contrast this behaviour to that of Lieutenant Henderson who when asked before this year’s Festival where one of his runners would go, snorted, and then revealed in a carefree tone, ‘I’ve no idea. But the owner will tell me’. So that’s my thoughts. Anyone anything to add??? And please understand that this is how they seem to me when they appear on the magic tellybox. I’m not saying any are like this away from the glare of the camera and the glitz and the greasepaint of the show-biz world. For instance Alan King is not likely to commit mass murder quite so hastily in ‘real life’…well, perhaps.
Gordon Elliot comes across (to me) like a brickie on his tea break. I keep expecting him to ask where the Hob Nobs are I like Colin Tizzard alot, love the way he can switch from country bumpkin to incisive in the blink of an eye. I would have an opinion on David Pipe but I haven't seen him on the telly in ages due to lack of winners.
In fairness I can switch from Moonraker to incisive just as quick! Re David Pipe did he really withdraw Vieux Lion Rouge on Saturday for no other reason than Tom Scudamore was no longer available (got injured earlier in day)?!? No wonder the winners are drying up.
Some very pertinent observations, Sir Barney. The first comment that came to mind was, well, wouldn't anyone want to do a bunk if he or she got cornered by the loud and brash Matt Chapman for an interview, Poor Sir Michael (Mr. Pickwick), when nailed for a chat, always looks as though he is searching for a quick escape route at the earliest opportunity, as you said? Interviewees are probably deafened by the man too, Matt is better with the bookie fellows, they are used to all the bawling and shouting? Had a good laugh with some of your comments, especially William Haggas, always apologetic when getting a good winner and telling us how lucky he and everyone connected were. Actually, as you suggested, he is highly intelligent. Hell, he even got rid of Pennsylvania Dutch, so he's got to be smart as a whip. Jim Bolger, he always looks a well-oiled villain to me, as though he is plotting to remove a senior steward, permanently?
I find interviews with Nigel Twiston-Davies rather entertaining. Clearly one thats likes a few sherberts but not talking to the cameras but he always does give a fair assessment. Alice Plunkett on Saturday commenting about him not likeing interviews and having quite a bit to say for him was pretty amusing....
