Previously posted but well worth a repeat as the Holidays approach:-
I think the time has arrived for the Hunts to ensure that walkovers are avoided at all costs.
People are paying a lot of money to get to and get in to the races and a collection of six moderate long standing maidens for example should be available when races have a walkover or a match race threatening.
I think in terms of point-to-points, the Hunts are in the entertainment business and should act as such.
I'd be interested to hear what the "powers that be" have to say or whether we shall we have the normal two walkovers, three matches and a cavalry charge of five for a concluding poor maiden at bank holidays ?
On the three previous Bank holiday meetings there has never been a walk over,in 07 there was a two horse race and thats been the only one in three years.Twenty nine went too post in 07 in six races,the race that had the most runners was in the maiden with nine. In 08 forty horses lined up for the six races and once again the maiden contained the most runners of the day with twelve,the smallest field being a entry of four. At last years meeting 09,there was a total thirty four who went too post,with once again the maiden having the most runners with eleven.With the least number of runners in a race being five. The big fields of runners are just not going to happen this time of year in this area,once the Midlands are holding their meetings forget it.Am i right in thinking that you are Gary Selby The bookmaker. If so on Easter bank holiday if your standing up,would you please add yourself to the total of one bookmaker (Adam Crowe) who gave the paying public the chance to have a each way flutter at the previous meeting.After all Bookmaking is a part of the leisure and entertainment business.
All thing being equal, I would be more than happy to offer each way betting for those races.
I thank you for your detailed statistics, and hope, that as the rain falls here in gloomy Islington, that it filters out to Essex thereby ensuring another Holiday of good sized fields.
Truth be known, I think it is Hackwood Park that has very few runners and I do recall being at Aldington for a less than inspiring turnout of about 12 some years ago. I still believe my idea is sound.
As regards the shortage of bookies most recently, that is reflective on the downturn in the cash economy and of course the results which even with just 5 books betting to a big margin last week saw the first four "jollys" sail in. (not for the first time this year either).
I respectfully repeat my comments of the previous year in regard to the lack of action today at Marks Tey.
If the hunt were a business it would have gone out of business today.
It's all well and good promising free entry for next year, but they need a plan B for this kind of eventuality.
Surely there are enough horses in Essex that can be leased/insured for this two week period that will ensure races actually rake place.
Yep there are plenty of horses...sadly, there are far too few OWNERS!
Respectfully suggest a few more of those who are complaining, go out and buy/lease a horse, pay the bills, and look forward to running it as often as possible. Always happy to attend the sales at Ascot and Doncaster to help people look at any horses to buy for next season!
Point missed there. I suggest current owners might look to a residual income each year by leasing their horses for the two week period with a view to running in the course of the three meetings held at that time. A moderate/poor horse would generate maybe £500 for the period, a better one maybe £1,000. Fifteen horses leased would require just a maximum of one pound extra on the admission charge at most.
The goodwill created by having the certainty of races, even if only two or three runners, would be tangible. After all a day at the races with no races will never catch on.
