General Chat

[archie]

As I remember, at the end of each NH season the UK and Irish handicappers get together and agree ratings at the top end of the market - 150+?

If they dropped the threshold to 130+ and did it in June and December, it would probably solve most of the issues. Also, not allowing first season novices in open handicaps worth over ?40k to the winner would stop other fiddles.

[Istabraq]

not allowing first season novices in open handicaps worth over ?40k to the winner would stop other fiddles.

Completely agree, something I and many others have been advocating in here for a while...

[Saxon Warrior]

Saxon, have you been listening to Ruby Walsh by any chance

I note he agreed with me, today, three weeks after my initial email to the BHA on the subject.

[Saxon Warrior]

I think, at the very top end, the insane ratings given to the two superstars in the 1960’s is somehow forcing the handicappers hand in the modern game, when you watch the likes of Altior, Master Minded and Sprinter destroy their champion chase fields the media scrum that follows ‘they can’t be 3 stone worse than Arkle’ pushes ratings up and of course those that finish in behind, and the collateral form that follows, exaggerates the problem.

I agree a rip it up and start again approach is needed...

Arkle and Flying Bolt were about 20lb better than a peak Sprinter Sacre was rated.

That is an obvious nonsense, isn't it?

Where else would that nonsense happen but NH racing.

Its never happened that Frankel was rated 20lb better than Sea Bird or Nijinsky.

Arkle and Flying Bolt, arguably were much closer to being equal to a peak Sprinter Sacre, not 20lb higher.

Its the age old problem of the ratings of one generation and another.
It is only peoples opinions.
Its not fact !!

[archie]

If Sprinter Sacre had ever humped 12st 7lb in a handicap he might be justified a higher rating. Plenty of the star horses were still doing that in the 80s so there is more justification for their ratings than the modern day heroes with all their recency bias.

[Native River]

Edwardstone typifies the broken handicapping system in the UK. In his last 4 races he's won one, a 4 runner event at Market Rasen in which he was even money favourite, and since then has not had his head in-front yet he has had 9lb total rise. All 3 times he met horses who clearly had a bit in hand on there current mark and were well handicapped, does not justify him going up.

Problem isn't just the handicap system though it for me clearly stems much deeper, you only have to look at the shit non competitive 4/5 runner field lower graded races we've had all season to see there is a wider problem in British racing and until the whole thing is addressed we will just fall further and further behind the Irish.

[jack1092]

I note he agreed with me, today, three weeks after my initial email to the BHA on the subject.

Lol.....Always a competition for you isn't it haha.

[FinalFurlong91]

Edwardstone typifies the broken handicapping system in the UK. In his last 4 races he's won one, a 4 runner event at Market Rasen in which he was even money favourite, and since then has not had his head in-front yet he has had 9lb total rise. All 3 times he met horses who clearly had a bit in hand on there current mark and were well handicapped, does not justify him going up.

Problem isn't just the handicap system though it for me clearly stems much deeper, you only have to look at the shit non competitive 4/5 runner field lower graded races we've had all season to see there is a wider problem in British racing and until the whole thing is addressed we will just fall further and further behind the Irish.

Theres too much racing

Too many chances for good horses to avoid each other

[parimutuel]

Fancy a virtual 360 degree workout ride on Oju Chosan? If you get bored you just move your device around and take in the views. He's racing on Saturday. Enjoy.

https://youtu.be/2Lh0eKI_8hM

[Native River]

Theres too much racing

Too many chances for good horses to avoid each other

Completely agree, as has been proven the past few years it's so easy for the top British horses to avoid each other, you look at Ireland there's 1 meet a day most days but over here there can often be 3 or 4, and even then half the races aren't worth running with the shit prize money on offer.

I've only just seen Espoir De Romay was put up 5lb after Aintree, fucking 5lbs for not even making it round no wonder British racing is a laughing stock

[FinalFurlong91]

Completely agree, as has been proven the past few years it's so easy for the top British horses to avoid each other, you look at Ireland there's 1 meet a day most days but over here there can often be 3 or 4, and even then half the races aren't worth running with the shit prize money on offer.

I've only just seen Espoir De Romay was put up 5lb after Aintree, fucking 5lbs for not even making it round no wonder British racing is a laughing stock

My issue would be more him getting put up 15lbs the run before for beating an exposed 10 Yr old in a 5 runner handicap at Leicester

[Saxon Warrior]

Lol.....Always a competition for you isn't it haha.

It may seem so.

But I did raise that point with the BHA 3 weeks ago.

I haven’t heard Ruby’s quote or seen it, but I am pleased if he thinks the UK National Hunt handicappers are too high, en masse, because they are, and his words hold a fair bit of weight, with the Racing TV platform.

[jack1092]

It may seem so.

But I did raise that point with the BHA 3 weeks ago.

I haven’t heard Ruby’s quote or seen it, but I am pleased if he thinks the UK National Hunt handicappers are too high, en masse, because they are, and his words hold a fair bit of weight, with the Racing TV platform.

Was on the PP pod if i remember correctly.

To be honest, i hope the BHA don't succeed in fixing it, it makes betting easier

[Saxon Warrior]

Was on the PP pod if i remember correctly.

To be honest, i hope the BHA don't succeed in fixing it, it makes betting easier

I do agree with you.

When 70% of the runners don't seem able to win, at Cheltenham and in the Grand National - if we hold our nerves, and that belief, it must be a golden era for punting.

[Ballyfitz]

First time today I’ve had Hills scratch of the day offer a free bet that specifically excludes future races (and specials)... there goes that strategy for this year