Desert Orchid
Senior Jockey
- Joined
- Aug 2, 2005
- Messages
- 24,876
I've been following the story regarding whether changes should be made to how the field for the National is arrived at.
While I can see both sides of the debate, it seems any time something displeases someone "we need to discuss this".
Leaving aside the character-changing physical alterations to the course, Phil Smith has made significant moves to attract a better-quality field. The race isn't what it used to be but it is probably a higher-class contest nowadays than it ever was with eye-watering prize-money.
So poor old Dr Newland is sad that Pineau De Re probably won't make the cut. Too bad, mate. You plotted it up successfully once and tried a second time and failed. Now you're plotting Band Of Blood for 2017, by the way. So you've got a beef. All of a sudden, "the public wants to see Pineau De Re [and Alvarado]."
Well I don't. They've had their shots at glory. One won and the other might have won with a remotely intelligent tactical ride. Tough titty. 'New' trainer Kerry Lee might miss out on the race with the promising Bishops Road despite doing all she can to get the horse into the race. Should her shot at glory be sacrificed on the altar of misjudged campaigns? Compare the campaigns of Pineau De Re and Alavarado - if you can call his a campaign - and Cause Of Causes for that matter, with Saint Are's.
I do understand the suggestion that no owner should have more than three runners. I suspect that would appeal to the wider public. It gives the littler owner a chance. Gigginstown and McManus entries accounted for nearly half of the Irish National field the other day. That's getting ridiculous.
I'm sure there will be strong opinions out there.
While I can see both sides of the debate, it seems any time something displeases someone "we need to discuss this".
Leaving aside the character-changing physical alterations to the course, Phil Smith has made significant moves to attract a better-quality field. The race isn't what it used to be but it is probably a higher-class contest nowadays than it ever was with eye-watering prize-money.
So poor old Dr Newland is sad that Pineau De Re probably won't make the cut. Too bad, mate. You plotted it up successfully once and tried a second time and failed. Now you're plotting Band Of Blood for 2017, by the way. So you've got a beef. All of a sudden, "the public wants to see Pineau De Re [and Alvarado]."
Well I don't. They've had their shots at glory. One won and the other might have won with a remotely intelligent tactical ride. Tough titty. 'New' trainer Kerry Lee might miss out on the race with the promising Bishops Road despite doing all she can to get the horse into the race. Should her shot at glory be sacrificed on the altar of misjudged campaigns? Compare the campaigns of Pineau De Re and Alavarado - if you can call his a campaign - and Cause Of Causes for that matter, with Saint Are's.
I do understand the suggestion that no owner should have more than three runners. I suspect that would appeal to the wider public. It gives the littler owner a chance. Gigginstown and McManus entries accounted for nearly half of the Irish National field the other day. That's getting ridiculous.
I'm sure there will be strong opinions out there.