Lindsay Gray

Horse racing, football, cricket , proud stammerer. Retired (recommended!). Likes to be reasonable & reasoned;known to err. Cheltenham FC ST holder, Chelsea too

[Lindsay Gray @parispiked]

"There"

[Dan Walker @mrdanwalker]

As ITV unveil there super-snazzy Brooklyn studio for the World Cup I do feel a bit for the BBC who will broadcasting games back in Salford.

The location will have cost ITV a fortune and the BBC can’t win… if they go then there is criticism every day about the cost and, if they don’t go, they get hammered for staying at home.

Must feel very distant at the moment though.

[Lindsay Gray @parispiked]

Abuse no. Criticism yes.
Issues you persistently ignore or avoid
1. Horses not in parade ring for designated periods
2. Non triers
3. Inaccurate going reports
4. Penalising your officials for errors (in contrast to penalties handed to licensed officials)
More?

[British Horseracing Authority @BHAHorseracing]

It is completely understandable that decisions taken by BHA officials may prompt passionate debate and be subject to robust scrutiny.

This is the nature of elite sport and something we do not shy away from.

However, we will never accept vile and unacceptable abuse directed towards BHA officials. This is a growing problem, especially on social media.

Some of the recent commentary under our posts is simply appalling. Everyone involved in British racing deserves to be treated with respect.

[Lindsay Gray @parispiked]

We have two tier stewarding, the outcome seemingly dependant on whether the race is or isn't part of World Pool. Ludicrous. Put "Do " at the start of that to turn into a question for next Podcast!

[Tony Calvin @tony_calvin]

And what happens to ante-post bets on the fav? What a totally unconvincing shower of shit. Not a serious sport - Part 435553 (no Rule 4 considerations here btw bar a bet I put on the winner for someone - I have had to waive that...)

[Lindsay Gray @parispiked]

We have two tier stewarding, the outcome seemingly dependent on whether the race is or isn't part of World Pool. Ludicrous.

[Harry Stewart-Moore @HarryStewartMo1]

Is that really how the ex post facto NR rule is supposed to work? The stewards ask the jockey if he was happy with how things turned out? Seems bonkers.

[Lindsay Gray @parispiked]

We have two tier stewarding, the outcome seemingly dependant on whether the race is or isn't part of World Pool. Ludicrous.

[James @jamesaknight]

Sorry, but that is a crazy call re Benvenuto Cellini. We're not happy punishing winning punters 30 minutes after the race cos a horse has been slightly slow out the gates.

[Lindsay Gray @parispiked]

Some might say offcourse corporates have been "pivoting away from betting" - in favour of gaming for years.....

[James @jamesaknight]

However much some within the sport wish it wasn't the case, racing's fortunes are inextricably linked to those of the betting industry's. The current mess - affordability, media rights, the black market and the government effectively punishing the legalised UK market - those things need to be reversed or racing is in big trouble. 'Pivoting away from betting' = digging your own grave.

[Lindsay Gray @parispiked]

"So" creeping into written communications as well as verbal. Why not just start the sentence with "I"? Genuinely curious.

[Luke Paton @Golfpunter1]

So I posted something about a debt being owed (just under £20k) a couple of years ago. Last payment made 18 months ago. Whats a reasonable course of action? I know where he works and know some of the senior management of that company (within betting industry).

[Lindsay Gray @parispiked]

I get 23 games for my £300 at @ctfc which is tremendous value !

[Nick Stern @Nick2512]

@parispiked I didn’t know that Lindsay so I suppose they have every right to charge that sort of amount.

any sporting event nowadays they are just taking the Mickey out of the fans and supporters

My tickets at the Arsenal are now £85 a game

Absolutely outrageous, but people will pay it

[Lindsay Gray @parispiked]

It's a sell out every year so more people is not feasible. I'm not justifying the price howeverI'm firmly of the view that until people start turning their back on events that overcharge they will continue to do so...

[Nick Stern @Nick2512]

@parispiked I don’t think there is any excuse for charging that sort of money Lindsey.

If it was £30 they would probably get a lot more people that results in sales of programs food and drink

To me, it just doesn’t make any sense whatsoever

[Lindsay Gray @parispiked]

It is ridiculous but it's their "Ladies Day" and they have been charging at this sort of level for a few years. Can't use my ARC badge at this meeting either so I don't go. It's pretty horrible tbh with drunks. drugs and the occasional fight

[Nick Stern @Nick2512]

@racingoncourse Worcester £44 wow

I’m sorry, but that’s ridiculous

[Lindsay Gray @parispiked]

Account closures and restrictions have had nothing to do with this demise obviously. 😀

[James @jamesaknight]

Depressing. Affordability is in danger of turning sports betting in the UK into the equivalent of some run down beachside penny arcade

[Lindsay Gray @parispiked]

Far too biased to contemplate that

[Roy Andrew @AndrewRoy70]

@BrendyBoyle @kenearlys Brilliant from @kenearlys .
If only the TNT commentators had the bottle to call out Arsenal's shitty gamesmanship

[Lindsay Gray @parispiked]

It's "effect".

[The Green Party @TheGreenParty]

“Sticking together is how we affect change.”

Green MP Hannah Spencer joined the UNISON picket line in Manchester, standing in solidarity with AQA workers fighting for fair pay and dignity at work.

[Lindsay Gray @parispiked]

Given that it became obvious during their members forum that Cheltenham don't know how long a member has been a member, this does not surprise. Jockey Club Racecourses a completely inept organisation.

[SD Racing Services @racingoncourse]

Still remains, 80 minutes into the working day. This is not the way to get people to go racing.

[Lindsay Gray @parispiked]

Another validation of my theory that on "big" days racecourses primary focus is not on presenting racing but getting as many people inside the venue and selling them expensive booze and food.

[James @jamesaknight]

Going ahead apparently on the sprint track. Utter madness.

[Lindsay Gray @parispiked]

There's precedent. Paul Cook successfully sued Doncaster after a fall caused by a hole in the track a few decades ago. Ended his career I think.

[Tony Calvin @tony_calvin]

Tracks are a whisker away from million pound legal cases with their turf management

[Lindsay Gray @parispiked]

ANY other punishment but expulsion would send a message to others that similar spying attempts are worth the risk. Which it why it's precisely the right punishment .

[Nick Goff @nickgoff79]

@BigGazLaw not sure they have to justify anything re: the advantage gained. Just show a) there was a rule, b) Southampton knew there was a rule, and c) they knowingly broke it. On top of that, with evidence they've done it repeatedly all season it's got to be the right decision

[Lindsay Gray @parispiked]

The (illogical) reason might be that with the HC it's a 6 race card and abandonment would make it a 5 race event?

[Rhys Williams @Rhys_N_Williams]

Still nothing said about why the hunter chase at Huntingdon is fine to go ahead. If it's unsafe for these races to take place and we need to protect the licensed herd then no reason why this hasn't been cancelled

[Lindsay Gray @parispiked]

The very argument the BHA and "racing" should have been making when affordability checks were first mooted. But didn't. And now it's too late.

[SimonNott @SimonNott]

Affordability Checks - Imagine at the point of sale when buying a gold bracelet or a Rolex, or a high end meal at a restaurant, or your fourth pint on a night out, being asked for your bank details and proof of income. It’s all bollocks isn’t it. Why have we stood for it so long?

[Lindsay Gray @parispiked]

Depends how you define "success" !

[𝙳𝚊𝚟𝚒𝚍 𝚂𝚝𝚎𝚠𝚊𝚛𝚝 @david_stewart]

Has a journalist yelling "ARE YOU PLANNING ON RESIGNING PRIME MINISTER?" ever had a single record of success?