WE each expect different degrees of information and knowledge from those on commentary duty on the TV channels.

One area that can be a bit hit and miss, perhaps more so in recent times, are the parade ring comments. We had fewer pundits 20 years ago but, given that we see less of the horses in the parade ring now, it’s an area that can be improved.

And the assessment of horses from a physical and fitness level should probably be left to those who work closely with horses.

It seemed odd on Saturday that ITV’s paddock expert Ken Pitterson gave his paddock pick as Westover.

“Looks really well. Mentally more switched on than at Epsom or the Curragh,” was the comment. The horse was obviously agitated before he even left the parade ring and the warning signs of what ultimately transpired in the race itself, were already there. The horse even took an extra circuit of the paddock to calm before going out on track.

Opinions differ too on what determines a good commentary but that requires less horse knowledge. One critcism is how often one sees a horse make a mistake in a jumps race and it not picked up by the commentator.

Relevant

Call all the runners. Call the favourite frequently, as most people are interested in his position. I have no issues with a bit of ‘filling in’ so long as it is giving relevant information. Paddock commentary was a stronger element in a previous TV era, in particular John Francome’s contributions on Channel 4, when we saw more of the paddock build-up to TV races.

During the Galway coverage you did get a bit more insight to the physical appearances from Ruby Walsh and Fran Berry on paddock watch, and it can be an important element for viewers and punters.

Galway gathered the clans

FROM the opening race of Galway, with the favourite overturned, you knew that this was going to be a long week and, more importantly, it was a long way from Cheltenham.

Yes, Willie got more than his fair share again with six winners up to early Friday evening but honours were well distributed. And the four big races couldn’t have been more appropriate. Patrick Mullins got his big win after 16 years. The crazy gang of the Magic Lads had one of those once-in-a-lifetime wins with Magic Chegaga. Shark Hanlon said ‘how are ya’ to all those paying six figures for a jumping horse with a €850 bargain. And Tony Martin and John Breslin came back to their old playground with the 10-year-old former winner Tudor City, ridden by a promising young rider in Liam McKenna.

Throw in a potential Group 1 filly (Tahiya) for the old maestro, some nice jumping prospects like Champ Kiely and This Songisforyou, and the touch of emotion with Surrounding’s poignant win, the racing had so many great moments.

With so much anticipation and positive vibes in the build-up and all through the five days, it was slightly disappointing to see the attendances down from pre-pandemic days.

Galway has always boosted the yearly attendance figures which have taken a hit this year. Yet, with such constraints on the weekly incomes, and increased accommodation costs, it is perhaps no surprise. Only the Monday figures were significantly down.

Monday Tuesday WednesdayThursday

2019 20,397 14,596 16,634 24,503

2022 15,179 13,132 16,073 23,136