From today's Guardian..
Timeform call for an end to water jumps
The respected Timeform organisation have added to the increasing pressure for racing's rulers to dispense with water jumps on Britain's racecourses. Huntingdon last week announced they had become the latest course to scrap what leading jumps trainer Paul Nicholls has dubbed "the worst jump in racing". Timeform say they are in agreement with Nicholls in the introduction to their new Chasers & Hurdlers annual, out today.
"Ditches at water jumps are shallower nowadays, which has helped to reduce the number of injuries, but the obstacle is unfair because it is still something of a trap, as the horses cannot see the ditch on the landing side," state Timeform.
The thorny issue of 48-hour declarations is also given prominence and Nicholls and his fellow trainers are ticked off for their outspoken opposition to its introduction for jump racing. Timeform say "jumping is missing out" on publicity and promotion, especially in evening newspapers, where the readership is "significant".
Racing is also warned about the negative impact of the clampdown on overuse and misuse of the whip by jockeys. "What set out as a perfectly laudable aim to raise riding standards and protect the public image of the sport . . . has on occasions been heavily counter-productive."
Gold Cup winner Denman (180p) is awarded the honour of Horse of the Year in the annual but, controversially, stablemate Kauto Star, whom he beat into second place at Cheltenham, is top-rated overall on 182. "The most sensible conclusion seems to be that Kauto Star simply had an off-day [at Cheltenham], of which his jumping was a symptom. He has form that is in advance of that shown by Denman," argue Timeform
Timeform call for an end to water jumps
The respected Timeform organisation have added to the increasing pressure for racing's rulers to dispense with water jumps on Britain's racecourses. Huntingdon last week announced they had become the latest course to scrap what leading jumps trainer Paul Nicholls has dubbed "the worst jump in racing". Timeform say they are in agreement with Nicholls in the introduction to their new Chasers & Hurdlers annual, out today.
"Ditches at water jumps are shallower nowadays, which has helped to reduce the number of injuries, but the obstacle is unfair because it is still something of a trap, as the horses cannot see the ditch on the landing side," state Timeform.
The thorny issue of 48-hour declarations is also given prominence and Nicholls and his fellow trainers are ticked off for their outspoken opposition to its introduction for jump racing. Timeform say "jumping is missing out" on publicity and promotion, especially in evening newspapers, where the readership is "significant".
Racing is also warned about the negative impact of the clampdown on overuse and misuse of the whip by jockeys. "What set out as a perfectly laudable aim to raise riding standards and protect the public image of the sport . . . has on occasions been heavily counter-productive."
Gold Cup winner Denman (180p) is awarded the honour of Horse of the Year in the annual but, controversially, stablemate Kauto Star, whom he beat into second place at Cheltenham, is top-rated overall on 182. "The most sensible conclusion seems to be that Kauto Star simply had an off-day [at Cheltenham], of which his jumping was a symptom. He has form that is in advance of that shown by Denman," argue Timeform
Last edited:
