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Letter of the Week

Nothing but the best

It certainly appears I have been been honoured with the award for the most disliked contributor to Your Say.
Whilst I thank my fellow contributors to take the time to write to express their disgust with my writings, I bear no malice.
As the 18th century quotation attributed to Voltaire says, “I may disapprove of what you say, but I will defend unto death your right to say it.”
There has also been criticism by “Mick” of Mooroolbark and now Ernie Gould of Rothwell, of the number of letters I write. I guess my penchant for writing stems from a past life where public writing and speaking were essential tools of my profession.
However, I would draw to everyone’s attention — it is one thing to write. It is entirely another to have letters published.
That, my friends, is up to the editor of Winning Post, and I am humbled that he elects to publish so many of my writings.
 I say this because after having been racing in all major continents and centres of racing on the planet, I regard Winning Post as superior to any I have seen in the world, including the daily Racing Post in the UK with its famous “Pricewise” column, which offers a fantastic strike rate from only one or two selections on each day it appears.
However, whilst I have no doubt the actual form in such journals is accurate, it is the editorial content of Winning Post that gives it, in my opinion, the edge, although Racing Post runs a close second, particularly as it maintains its high standard on a daily basis.(The Pricewise column, incidentally, only appears perhaps twice a week at major meetings — again testimony to my philosophy of sticking to “the best of the best.”
Doing so, after many hours of hard work and concentration, does produce rewards. Betting on inferiors is akin to a poker machine — no hope.
Ernie Gould does become a little factious when he enquires how far back from the TV I sit to miss the poor grammar of several Sky presenters and commentators who do the provincial and country circuits. As I mentioned above, I do not mind criticism, and in fact welcome a robust debate, but I do wish Ernie Gould would read my letters before offering such caustic remarks.
In answer to your question, Ernie, I sit a hell of a long way back from the TV on days on which there are only provincial and country meetings. In fact, I don’t even turn on the TV on such days.
As mentioned several times in my letters, I am only interested in the best meetings, the best horses, trainers and jockeys at value prices.
Occasionally a major meeting at a country or provincial track may attract my attention, but not necessarily my money. If I’m not on, I don’t waste time watching.
Occasionally there may be a good run from a “bushie”, which may herald a win or two in town, but I am far too busy noting and recording the best of the best to spend time on inferior meetings, horses, trainers and jockeys.
I guess if Ernie’s observations about Sky presenters at such meetings are correct we can also include inferior (illiterate) presenters and commentators.
Are the top people likely to travel to remote locations for a few thousand dollars? I think not. As a general rule if the race is not worth at least $50,000, I don’t even open the page.

 

Paul Connors
Brighton (Qld)
Today's Racing
Saturday 30 March
Sunday 31 March
Monday 1 April