Crisp and Stephen King
May 28th 2008 06:52
The VRC are at odds with the jumping lobby over the programming of the three jumping races on the Flemington program this coming Saturday. At this time, unless a case can be made to change opinions, the three jumping races: George Watson Hurdle; Trevor Clarke Steeplechase; and the LV Lachal Hurdle, will be programmed as the first three races of the day.
(photo: Bruce Cannatelli VRC Website)
Several reasons are given for this decision. A primary reason is that jumping races have a poor betting turnover. Another reason is the difficulty in setting up (and bringing down) the hurdle and steeplechase fences. By having consecutive races the VRC believe that it makes it much easier for staff. A reason given - but one that does not make too much sense - is that jumping races are less kind to the surface (and they are very careful and wary of any damage to this new track surface). Perhaps true, but on that point, I can't see why they would do less damage earlier than they would later in the day.
With regard to turnover, although correct about the figures, historically jumps races (and usually the one only) have been programmed as race one. Thus perpetuating the self fulfilling prophecy of low turnover as the punting dollar does escalate later in the day in all instances.
Warrnambool had no trouble setting up and taking down fences with a much smaller staff than the VRC has on hand. In effect, the jumping races are not really seen as features by the VRC.
I still remember seeing Crisp (I was very, very young, looking out of pram with periscope) leap the old-style steeples with contempt. I remember being disappointed when he was beaten in the Grand National at Aintree (by another ordinary ride). My estimation of him grew with each subsequent Grand National victory of the mighty Red Rum (trouble is I always associate this name with The Shining and Jack Nicholson every time I hear those words connected. Easily the best Stephen King book too).
The modern brush-through fences appear to be much safer, and the statistics of injury and death of horses involved would seem to back this up. But they do approach each jump at far greater speeds now and I would be keen to examine any new data.
I no longer bet on jumping races, but I do see them as a feature of Winter racing and if worth promoting, then worth promoting properly.
Let's watch Crisp in the 1973 Grand National at Aintree. An incredible performance from a great horse. If you have never seen this race before you will be amazed.
Go Crisp! (maybe this time he will win)
Grand National Hurdle 2006
(photo: Bruce Cannatelli VRC Website)
Several reasons are given for this decision. A primary reason is that jumping races have a poor betting turnover. Another reason is the difficulty in setting up (and bringing down) the hurdle and steeplechase fences. By having consecutive races the VRC believe that it makes it much easier for staff. A reason given - but one that does not make too much sense - is that jumping races are less kind to the surface (and they are very careful and wary of any damage to this new track surface). Perhaps true, but on that point, I can't see why they would do less damage earlier than they would later in the day.
With regard to turnover, although correct about the figures, historically jumps races (and usually the one only) have been programmed as race one. Thus perpetuating the self fulfilling prophecy of low turnover as the punting dollar does escalate later in the day in all instances.
I still remember seeing Crisp (I was very, very young, looking out of pram with periscope) leap the old-style steeples with contempt. I remember being disappointed when he was beaten in the Grand National at Aintree (by another ordinary ride). My estimation of him grew with each subsequent Grand National victory of the mighty Red Rum (trouble is I always associate this name with The Shining and Jack Nicholson every time I hear those words connected. Easily the best Stephen King book too).
The modern brush-through fences appear to be much safer, and the statistics of injury and death of horses involved would seem to back this up. But they do approach each jump at far greater speeds now and I would be keen to examine any new data.
I no longer bet on jumping races, but I do see them as a feature of Winter racing and if worth promoting, then worth promoting properly.
Let's watch Crisp in the 1973 Grand National at Aintree. An incredible performance from a great horse. If you have never seen this race before you will be amazed.
Go Crisp! (maybe this time he will win)
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Comment by Brad Waters
Punters Daily
And He's a Victorian!!! - Victoria's Sporting stars
The fact is that a slowcoach can now longer win any jumps race except the Grand Annual or the Great Eastern, these days because of the lower fences, as you say , the speeds are much faster than in previous years so good-class flat horses are crowding out the trainers' pets in jumps fields and in provincial areas that is a negative.
But, on the plus side the racing public gets to see horses like Toulouse Lautrec and Iron Horse, both Group I winners racing just that little bit longer. I would hate to think where Toulouse Lautrec would be if not for jumps racing considering the frustration he has given his patient owners.
Comment by Leonard Marlborough
Racing Write
But as he was on the flat, he is also over jumps: a little bit slow in the head. He crashes through, rather than jumps the fences - at this time. Of course the modern fences allow for this (maybe encourage it). But long term I think it would be better if he gives due respect to the obstacles. No need to be a classic 'jumper' as Crisp was (who is!), but somewhere in the middle would be fine. Maybe next year he may be a bit slower, but better through the air. And he may not lose much in the balance and swap. He does add a lot of interest to the jumping carnival this year and he does have a physical presence like Apache Cat that makes him stand out (and the fans love).