October
SeptemberJumping back
I really enjoyed reading the interview conducted by Richo with Sandy McGregor, chairman of the Australian Jumps Racing Association (26/8).
In my days on the punt in the early 1970s all my punting mates loved the jumps races and so it was for quite a few years.
Apart from the lists of top-class horses detailed by John Adams and Steve Pateman in recent articles, there were others we loved — Arrandale Lad, Warm Feeling and Handy Lou were up there for yours truly.
I stand to be corrected about the exact figures but I remember backing tiny Handy Lou with 74kg at 4/1 at Geelong one delightful afternoon — what a horse — and backing Warm Feeling in a race at Caulfield where he beat off several challengers with a big weight. It was courage personified to the nth degree.
I was reminded of their courage watching Wells knock me off on the runner-up last Sunday week. Gee whiz, what an effort, what a thrilling race and I “dips me lid” to a terrific horse. The money lost was inconsequential.
After the race I muttered “wow” to myself, which was the same word I said after Winx won the day before.
This is what we love about the sport: the exceptional efforts that leave us a fraction stunned but delighted.
When a number of changes were instigated to the heights and placement of the jumps to placate the vocal minority, I believed the industry was doomed. I lacked the courage of my favourites and abandoned jumps racing as a betting medium.
I apologise to the loyal jumps racing fraternity but I am back and I thank Wells for the injection of enthusiasm as his two recent wins were breathtakingly tough efforts.
So I ask Sandy McGregor if it is possible for him to have a spot on his website where all the jumps racing for this season can reside, with results, stewards reports et al.
I know it could be a big ask but if trials were kept on the site as well I believe the full package would exist as a catalyst for future jumps punters and a further step in the resurrection of jumps racing.
I applaud the initiative Sandy and his crew are trying to instigate.
And before I forget, a special thanks to Steve Pateman for his excellent insights and, although I agree with Alfie Law (Karasi has to be there), a pat on the back to John Adams as well, as he revived memories about great horses.
And great horses are what it is all about.
Euroa (Vic)