Has the July lost it`s razzle?

Too many runners too many hard luck stories

Rowdy Wrote:

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> ALL you guys that posted negative comments on the
> VDJ day, are getting %$#@ OLD, it was a great day
> at the course, packed crowd and the younger
> generation (future) of racing had a great day out.
> Some of the people on this site need to get off
> the couch at least. WELL DONE GC, another
> memorable July. Its a pity the lads in the 13th
> are starting to wear silks.

Well we can't all go Rowdy! lol I have been to the Epsom Oaks and The Derby many a time as well as being an annual visitor to Glorious Goodwood in days gone by. If the Durban July is anything like The Derby, you can keep it. If it is anything like GG then great. But, not everyone can go and not many can probably afford how much it costs, especially when the entire meeting seemed in some jeopardy up to the last day, with my finances it wouldn't have been too clever booking a flight for a meeting seemingly uncertain to start let alone finish. Wonderful everyone had a great day out, great that some of you can afford it. Not sure how often the younger generation you refer to will be seen at a track before the next Durban July though.

My opinions remains unchanged. Way too much time between races. Sheldon's dedication and hard work are to be highly commended. That was obviously not the point of my original comment though. But, to all who got the razzle feeling for the day and weren't on course, I confess I am very surprised but... good for you!! (tu)

To be honest i only switched over to watch the races, then back to the rugby... Is it not a case of on course it was a fantastic day but the TV production just doesn't cut it anymore??

My second question is it sounds like there were plenty young patrons on course, but will they be there next week or the following week etc... Did GC run any sort of promotion activity that would entice these youngsters to come racing on a regular basis?

It definitely has lost a bit of what is intended from a racing perspective. It's more of a party forte younger generation. And I can vouch as I have been every year for the last 10 years and I'm only 32. I was in the millers tent last year and by race 3 people are way plastered and not worrying about racing but rather how much booze they can consume. Don't get me wrong I've done the same and really enjoyed myself but you could have te same day without the racing and get the same crowds. The racing is an added bonus rather than a neccisity for most that are there.

But I love the July and look forward every year to it. Preffered the met the 1 and only time I have gone and hoping to go again next year and to attend the queens plate that I have never attended. If racing is to "bite" the younger genre ration authorities need make race meetings more appealing.

On the Sheldon issue he is rather dedicated and am sure is doing the best he can, but if he did indeed tip 2 different pick 6s for the programs I would love to know why.

Richie77 Wrote:

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> It definitely has lost a bit of what is intended
> from a racing perspective. It's more of a party
> forte younger generation. And I can vouch as I
> have been every year for the last 10 years and I'm
> only 32. I was in the millers tent last year and
> by race 3 people are way plastered and not
> worrying about racing but rather how much booze
> they can consume. Don't get me wrong I've done the
> same and really enjoyed myself but you could have
> te same day without the racing and get the same
> crowds. The racing is an added bonus rather than a
> neccisity for most that are there.
>
> But I love the July and look forward every year to
> it. Preffered the met the 1 and only time I have
> gone and hoping to go again next year and to
> attend the queens plate that I have never
> attended. If racing is to "bite" the younger genre
> ration authorities need make race meetings more
> appealing.


I agree 1000% with what you say about the occasion and its attraction to the young set.It further justifies my feeling regarding the large part of our youth.It is sad and Government needs to address this asap if my grandkids are to stand anychance of living a healthy significant life in my country.

is it not a question of different strokes for different folks?i dont enjoy going to the july because i dont enjoy the huge crowd but i enjoy going to daily news or guineas day as i enjoy seeing the horses close up both in the parade ring and on the fence doing the canter past...it all depends what you want out of the day night at the track

Good Morning Clanners
I was fortunate to attend the July with a few mates 2 years ago.People will always find negatives,
me included because I'm a Cape Town boyjie and prefer the Met.Its just a pity we all can't be
pleased.With regards to getting younger crowds to the course regulary is to have more big racing
days.They want to have a party,see there favourite bands,dj's and get pissed.Hopefully a few can get
the racing bug while they at it.But this is just my opinion as a 32 year old who enjoys this game.
Well done to all who made some cash yesterday,I for one will give Turfies a go today and reside to fence
sitting again.
Have a blessed Sunday lads.

I have been to about 30 July's and 6 Mets. All are great party's and the majority are there for that. The July is just bigger with more tents and Corporate sponsors as far as I can see ( more Tents erected than ever this year). For the Purist neither is a great meeting as Pirates says but 99% of people seem to be having a ball. 7 pages in the Sunday paper covering the race/fashions etc today.

Craig Eudey Wrote:

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> Agree but very few could have forecast yesterdays
> results. Think I fancied 2/9 tat won. It is not
> easy and as long as he tries his best I will give
> him my support. His Dad is also very good for the
> game.

I'm not sure what you have against him as a commentator, other than that he might go a bit overboard sometimes in emphasising a horse a long way out. He makes an extremely difficult job sound easy and in blanket finishes manages to call every horse that is in contention clearly. Imo he is the best in the country pretty comfortably.

Englander Wrote:

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> I believe it was Mr Peters who made some claim
> that the noise of the crowd etc would rival any
> race day anywhere in the world... hmmm, I wasn't
> there but the atmosphere from the tv might have
> rivaled Kempton on a Wednesday night ()
>

I have heard the famous Cheltenham roar on many occasions and the July roar outdoes it, partly due to the cauldron like set up of Greyville.

Tipster Wrote:

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>
>
> I have heard the famous Cheltenham roar on many
> occasions and the July roar outdoes it, partly due
> to the cauldron like set up of Greyville.


you cannot make comparisons between Cheltenham and Greyville as Cheltenham is usually packed with the Irish and have you heard how soft spoken the Irish are?