@Racegoersclub /Racegoersclub

/racegoersclub @racegoersclub his issue’s Racegoers Club memory comes from Michael Watters, reminiscing about the Pisa trip in 1996. Here is his first hand account: “Nowadays the All-Weather Championships and Dubai Festival Bold Patriot on show at the John Hills Stables in Pisa keep flat enthusiasts interest alive during the winter. In earlier days Bold Patriot was of interest to me confusing bookmakers and betting in with no winter races to aim for, due to being sired by July Cup thousands for the first and only time. some trainers prepared for the winner, Polish Patriot. As a two As the Hills horses were in Pisa to traditional start to the flat by year old he ran twice, first over 6f, gain an advantage over those back in wintering their Guineas hopefuls and then over 7f with a three month wintry Britain, it was ironic that and early types in warmer climes. gap in between. central Italy had its coldest winter Or at least Barry Hills did. For a The form was modest but the for many years. It might have been while he used a training yard in Pisa, choice of Bold Patriot to go to Pisa milder in Lambourn. Nevertheless Italy to give his horses a head start. was probably based more on his Bold Patriot came back in good In early 1996 his son and fellow usefulness as a lead horse. Either shape and ready to show improved Lambourn trainer John Hills shared way it gave the opportunity to lead form. On 8th May he earnt a win the Pisa facility and one of the a Racegoers Club group on a short over a mile at Ayr. George Duffield horses that wintered there was a racing break. gave him a good front running ride. Racegoers Club horse, Bold Patriot. After the flight and settling into the Unfortunately his intermittent leg As a two-year-old Bold Patriot ran hotel, the first morning was spent problems then started to get the twice. Each time he finished in mid- on a stable visit. There we were better of Bold Patriot and he finished division showing some ability and shown the facilities and all of the down the field rated 76 on 8th June. giving encouragement that he would horses. The one that made the most be capable of winning in time. impression on me was a three-year- For me there are the cherished old filly, My Branch. In 1996 she memories of that first win, maybe went on to finish 4th in the 1,000 helped in a small way by a winter in Guineas and then 3rd in the Irish Pisa.” 1,000 Guineas. If you would like to share any of Scheduled for the final day was your Racegoers Club memories attendance at a Pisa race meeting for the 50th year celebrations please do not hesitate to contact with lunch at the racetrack racegoersclub@racecourseassociat beforehand. For me Pisa races were ion.co.uk or write to us at the most memorable for the lively and Bold Patriot Winning at Ayr address on the booking form. lacier Point recorded her first victory for the Racegoers Club as she got her head in front at Chepstow on Friday 14 July. To celebrate the first Flat winner of the season we asked all the owners to give their view on the day. This is what Stuart & Judi Young and The Glacier Point Owners celebrating the win at Chepstow Doreen Pallier had to say: the Weighing Room after the race. Doreen: I didn’t go to the pre- Stuart & Judi: The reception staff parade ring but did go to the Doreen: It was my first visit to were efficient, very friendly and paddock which was well situated welcoming. They made you feel Chepstow racecourse and even close to the finish. We got to meet though it meant a six hour round trip that you were special to them. David Probert and have a pre-race train journey for me to see Glacier, it chat with him. was very worthwhile. Not just winning the race but the excellent hospitality and viewing facilities Stuart & Judi: Yes. We had rushed afforded to Owners by Chepstow Racecourse made for a very pleasant down the M4, in traffic, and were in Stuart and Judi: Excellent. evening. need of a sanctuary to recover our Exclusively on the rail by the "composure ". winning post meant we could cheer on Glacier Point from the closest place without having to compete with other racegoers. I could swear she winked at us as Doreen: I was made very welcome she went past in the lead. by the duty host – a mini tour in Buy your share at fact! The O&T facility was very www.racegoersclub.co.uk/ well appointed with a good bar and ownership food and the viewing terrace was a racegoersclub@racecourseassociatio definite bonus. This O&T lounge Doreen: We were treated very n.co.uk was superior to many others I have generously and enjoyed or fill out the form on the back page experienced. champagne and viewing of the of the magazine. race DVD in the room adjoining After reaching mainstream news and social media fame with his calling of the Ascot Gold Cup as well as standing in last minute for the John Smith’s Cup and mixing it with hip- hop stars Reggie and Bollie, Richard Hoiles took some time out of his busy schedule to talk to us about the art of commentary. Mine was a rather unusual start in box on a windswept roof and be as if you tried to learn them all in that I just applied for a job via an heard all over the country that I had advance and one owner had several advert in the Sporting Life despite to go into my local shop the runners on the card your brain would having no previous broadcast following day to listen to the replay associate more than one name with experience. I was so naïve I didn’t to believe it had actually happened! the same colours which would be even realise you needed to send in a dangerous. demo tape which then crossed with a rejection letter in the post. Thankfully SIS liked what they heard and invited me in for a trial and it all started from there. I know where I’m going to be quite Height is key as you get a far better I was a qualified accountant at the a long way in advance. For my ITV perspective of both the distance time and having got my exams quite work we actually sort out the whole between runners and a clear sight of young decided to try and see if I year in advance, as I used to with a greater number of horses. Round could break into racing. I had Simon Holt when I was with courses are easier than straight followed it madly since I was young Channel 4. As regards the courses and the colours are far easier and was a member of the Racegoers racecourse we tend to know on to learn where you also have a good Club. I’ve found the key to average about three months clear sight of the paddock. Since the commentating on the sport is really beforehand. new stand opened Doncaster has to have followed racing from as always been a favourite whilst in The background prep – printing of early an age as possible. terms of beauty Goodwood on a colour sheets, making notes, sunny day is just superb though the overnight prices and writing out the races can be messy. draw on the Flat will all be done the night before. As regards learning During my Hong Kong stint I the colours, other than particularly always had to pinch myself every My first calling day was at Bath on tricky races then I will only do that time I called a night meeting at Cup Final day in 1992. In those days when the jockeys come into the Happy Valley – a must visit if you there were separate racecourse and paddock or the runners are on their get the chance. The least favourite betting shop commentaries with way down to the start. are where commentary boxes are mine going into the shops. It seemed low or any day in fog or mist which The key is just short term retention so bizarre that you could stand in a really are the worst conditions to call and vision mixer will get to know Goldrun and Ouija Board was also in. from the tone of my voice when I fantastic as I had called them both so am struggling with shots and not many times during their careers in stay on those for too long. I am many different countries. extremely lucky to have worked with many good ones throughout my career and never fail to Slightly, mainly in terms of tempo appreciate the great lengths good but the fundamental mechanics are cameramen go to in all weathers to very much the same. Getting provide such creative pictures. Racing is quite a specialist sport and through the entire field as quickly as very few commentators have moved possible is important in giving you comfort that you know everything into it from other sports whereas and that would be the same for both there are a few race callers, notably codes. the superb John Hunt on swimming There are many but top of the list is for 5 Live, who can make a good fist I would write out the draw on the probably Denman’s Gold Cup for of other sports.

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