To me there was far too much jockey/trainer opinion involved in yesterdays decision - or at least that is how it appeared. It is the stewards and clerk of the course who should make the decision amongst themselves and then revert to the trainers etc with their opinion. If you are in that role as a steward/clerk you should not need Nicky Henderson out on the course. Different trainers will have different motives to run and it just makes for a messy affair.
You're right, Ballydoyle, it was a lot busier last year and this year (thankfully not as cold as last). Various firms associated with the track were obviously not prepared for a bumper crowd as Tote and bars were understaffed/stocked.
There were only 6 Tote windows open in the Paddock/Arkle bar area and only 1 on the Members Lawn. A lot of people were angry because they were unable to get on because of the queues. (Thank Heaven for telephone accounts.)
In the Cottage Rake bar the manageress told me that she had been given a 1/2 bottle each of brandy and vodka - and had sold out by 11.30.
It looks as though this is the meeting that the locals will be attending more for the next few years, as the crowd on the Saturday before Christmas was much smaller than last year. Something to do with the recession, maybe?
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