Booney wrote:JK wrote:Booney wrote:JK wrote:Does anyone know a racing fan that would be the slightest bit disappointed if Jumps Racing was removed from the Australian program? Dr Turf is about the only one I've ever heard with any sort of passion toward it.
It's a very good point mate. I follow the nags pretty closely, as you know, but I couldn't care less if jumps racing was banned. Then again, my lively hood isn't reliant upon Oakbank or Warrnambool Racing Carnivals. I can't see Oakbank being any less attractive if the races were run on the flat and really that's what we're talking about here, two carnivals throughout the year that attract negative attention.
I wouldn't be upset if it was banned.
I pretty much avoid betting on Jumps races, just because I have no knowledge of the runners and no inclination to learn about them, so I'd be happy to see all races on the flats.
The suggestion of more staying races is a great idea, given the reduction in quality stayers this country produces these days (basically because there's so much more prizemoney opportunities for the sprinters and mid-distancers).
I too avoid betting on jumps, especially at Oakbank. I struggle picking winners over 1200m on the flat, let alone 4950m with 16 jumps in play!
I vaguely recall a night at the Checkside Tavern with a mate, betting in England (about 6 hours after the AFL match had finished and crowd had dispersed). One race was over 7k's IIRC - My mate put the bet on, grabbed his beer and went outside for a smoke then came back and asked how we went. Should have seen the look on his face when I told him there was still another kilometre to run, but at least our horse was one of the few still running.
