October
MarchMore than a race
In considering any point of view advanced on any topic I try to be fair-minded in my assessment of someone’s viewpoint and to be kind in my comments on the subject. However, having read Kensington Dan’s reasoning for electing to "couch potato" in preference to attending race meetings (More Say 26/2), I could not describe his argument as anything other than illogical drivel and self-indulgent whinging.
Dan’s first "beef" is regarding what he regards as lack of promotion of Black Caviar’s run. Where was he for a fortnight before? Even people who follow sport generally but are not into racing were talking about it.
Dan then goes on to talk about what he considers to be an excessive entry fee: "$20 or more for approximately 20 minutes of actual on-course racing action" .
This cost, he asserts, compares unfavourably with the cost of attending cricket or football.
Well, the cost of attending AFL home-and-away matches for the 2010 season was $20 so I can’t see much difference there. But no, I forgot that Dan measures racing entertainment time as the combined duration of barrier to winning post multiplied by the number of races.
If that’s his take on the horse racing maybe he is better off on the couch at home or in the TAB.
There is so much more in attending the races than simply watching each race. Wandering through the birdcage with an eye out for interesting horseflesh and racing personalities, patrolling the betting ring to spot who is doing what, keeping an eye on the mounting yard prior to and after each race to observe the body language and sometimes spirited conversations of trainers, hoops and owners in that elite area — these are just a few of the things one can do to make a day at the races an absorbing outing.
Other phrases in the letter, such as "feeling like an inferior member of society" and "confronted by fences, turnstiles and questions" seem to reflect Dan’s social attitude and are difficult for an outsider to answer.
If Dan of Kensington were to ask my advice I would urge him to jettison the negativity and go to the races whenever he feels so inclined. He will soon suss out the best vantage points for viewing and generally become comfortable with the surroundings.
Moreover, it will become abundantly clear as to why "being there" is infinitely preferable to remote participation
Woolamai (Vic)