SLB2.0

When I saw the message I immediately assumed BOAY was having server issues. You would think that niller Scooby and his bum-buddy Leo would understand that's what the message meant.

Then you're more likely to be on track and/or watching it on TV. Surely, calling every horse home is only for radio listeners.

What's your opinion on calling every runner home past the post? Do they need to call the 16th horse home? Does that detract from the excitement of the finish? It does for me. The Yanks call only the first 4 home.

Exactly. The Melbourne Cup crowds are on the decline. I was there a couple of years ago for all four days and I didn't feel crowded - granted I was in the "good" seats. Probably crammed in like sardines downstairs, but they need a boost. Swift would have given it that edge to make it more than racing. For us, we're racing enthusiasts. We only care about racing, but we're a large minority.

Racing isn't a popular sport for young people. It's starting to grow in the 18-25 range purely because of alcohol, but what about the younger generation? The teenagers? Nothing brings them to the track, except for things like Taylor Swift. This industry already has an image (more so in NZ) of being old-fashioned and unappealing to the youth. What brings the younger generation to the track? Absolutely nothing. They can't drink, they can't gamble, so give them their damn pop music and maybe, just maybe they'll see a horse and fall in love with racing.

Are you sure they don't need any more for cup day? Have you looked at the figures?

The general public doesn't care about the racing.... they don't know a horse from their own ass. Having someone like Swift there brings in another realm of the public. Those who wouldn't usually go to the races. Sure, they won't see a horse go around because they'll be drunk, but that's 90% of on-course participants.

Not the happiest man are we Mumbles?

They are saying it's a conflict from her Asian tour... but these celebs pander to the crazies, so wouldn't be surprised.

Probably because of all the tree huggers complaining on her Twitter.

Very good.

"One horse dies every year or so". Take those facts to the bank ?

I don't have the exact details sorry, but I'm told it was an accident earlier this week.

Sad to hear about Richard Yuill. Currently in a coma but hopefully he pulls through.

One idiot on the other channel believes Ebor form or hurdle form, for that matter, doesn't stack up in the Melbourne Cup. Heartbreak City. Second behind Almandin in 2016 - had nine starts over the hurdles. That's one of many hurdlers that have run well in the Cup.

Thommo - I just tried an ellipsis and it didn't work! I have no doubt your post was originally filled with them

It's similar to players being banned in professional sport. You can pick a guy up and dump him on his head. If he gets up you'll get a couple of weeks. If he suffers a serious injury, you're gone for 6-8.

"Personally I’m accustomed to being slandered, it’s their culture to attack me over at the oxidation pond.and whilst I can cope with it some can’t" Someone is crying wolf. Has there been a bigger hypocrite to walk this earth?

From my understanding, she was sent away to learn. Also - how do you administer formal training to ride a racehorse without actually riding a racehorse?

The last time I rode a race horse I got thrown into a fence. I was uninjured - but let's say I was injured. Does my Dad, who told me to get on the horse, liable if I wanted to sue him? However, I wasn't employed by him so Work & Safety wouldn't get involved. Another hypothetical question - I rode pony club when I was around 8. What happens if I fall off and suffer a serious injury whilst at the club? I wasn't trained to ride those horses, I was in the process of being trained to ride those horses, much like Sophia. There are a lot of hypothetical questions left unanswered and trainers/pony club instructors should be fearful.

The judge wanted millions - they were able to bargain a lower fine.

That's him! The same guy that made fun of Chris T for pointing his finger when posing with "celebs". Here's an example.

I see the niller over at RC has called Helena Baby a hack. Comeback finished better than our Horse of the Year.... Melody Belle must also be a hack. Helena Baby will clean up in Brisbane next winter.

Very good run from TAS. Helena Baby was good after missing the kick and sitting three wide. Certainly loses no admirers but TAS should be winning a G1 in Aussie this spring. That being said... spring isn't great for the Kiwis. We're more autumn/winter types.

TAS will need to be good to make ground at Te Rapa. Helena Baby should just run from the outset and have them all chasing.