and I'm really hating the coverage......d*mn ESPN and NBC.....

[a kennedy]

We don't get to see enough of the horses.....it's all humans. :mad: I remember long ago when who ever covered the races always had it re-run about 3 times.....now it's the actual, then the beginning of the race, then the back stretch, and that's it. I WANT TO SEE IT OVER AND OVER, I guess that's why I've got the internets. LOL I'll replay this race another 10 times or so. I didn't run the Derby at all, couldn't watch it, with Eight Belles and all.....just couldn't watch it, but this race??? I'll replay it at least 10 more times.......I really think he's gonna do it.

[TZ]

1. Actually I thought ESPN had an interesting roundtable discussion

On the issues of racing that have been highlighted since Eight Belles tragic end. But yeah, I prefer more horse and less people.
And yes, I think I will be watching this over and over..That aerial shot of him taking off like a rocket...wow, just wow.

[two gun sid]

2. Yep, I'd like to see more of the horses too...

if I ran the coverage we would do special segments with a ferrier just so you could see how a horse is shod for the races. Another with a vet making the rounds of the barns treating horses for various ailments. Segements on race riding and strategy with the pinheads. Lots of video of the horses working in the morning. And as much footage of the horses back at the barn as we could get without screwing up the horse's routine.

The people in racing are interesting but the horses are really the most important part of the show.

[a kennedy]

3. Love you tgs!!!

and that is exactly right, it's the horses....... :hug:

[aaronbees]

4. Absolutely

The horses are the superstars. And though the jocks are admirable and are worthy of our respect, it's the athleticism and brilliance of the horse that's memorable.

[Justpat]

5. Funny you should bring this up.

My daughter and me are planning on doing a documentary on just these aspects of our sport.
And the day to day care, starting from when they are broke.

Her boyfriend does documentaries, one of his latest ones was on eventing, so we are
right now in the stage of fund raising. I think nyra should chip in a few bucks
to help make it happen. I'll let you know how out it goes.

[two gun sid]

10. That's a good idea...

I think fans would be interested in the care and training of race horses. Many people today have never even been near a horse let alone cared for one. I'd love to see a documentary like this made.

[Justpat]

11. We are seriously working on it. n/t

[Awsi Dooger]

6. The coverage sucks

Last time we had a Triple Crown winner there were two networks covering it, ABC and CBS. If I remember correctly, CBS would show up for the Belmont after ABC winged the first two legs. There was natural competition, and many heavyweight sportscasters like Cosell, McKay and Whitaker, along with the racing specialists. Every race built up to high drama. Al Michaels was good at that also. He has a background and interest in the wagering aspects of sports so he fit the racing coverage well. Costas is prepared but overall I always get the impression he'd prefer to be watching a baseball game.

And I agree, they used to do more with 20+ minutes of post race coverage than they currently manage in 35 or 40. Several replays, and it was always dramatic to me when they splashed the full order of finish on the screen. Now that is hardly emphasized and the replays are fragmented and pathetic. The overhead shot is awesome, like Street Sense in the Derby last year and Big Brown today. That's the only recent improvement I can name.

That panel on Eight Belles was a good idea but I missed all but the final 6 or 8 minutes.

[Justpat]

7. You can't sleep either? n/t

[Awsi Dooger]

8. LOL, I wondered what you were doing up

I'm never asleep at this point. Not even an attempt. And not exactly on horseman's hours. 4 AM is my first hint of transition. I caught that in Las Vegas 20+ years ago and travel it with me.

Funny, the other day a football site offered me a late night moderator gig. When I read that PM at 2 AM it's the first time I felt prematurely sleepy in years. :rofl:

[Justpat]

9. Well, I'm up trying to figure out ways to get better owners.

These ****ing cheap nybreds are killing us.

[two gun sid]

12. The best person on NBC's coverage is Donna Barton-Brothers...

they need to get her more involved in the show. Very knowledgeable.

[Justpat]

13. She was a jock herself

and galloped horses for years.

So she knows what she is talking about.

[two gun sid]

14. I remember when she rode...

she's always great in the post parade. She knows what to look for. Like how a horse is warming up or if a jock gives a horse a real warm up like in the old days or if a horse is melting down or fractious. Good stuff.