In a day and age where jump racing isn't getting the attention and praise it deserves for excitement during a traditionally quiet/boring part of the season for flat racing I say it was great to hear Aarons calls of the premier jump races on saturday.
Ric Mcintosh took the colour and excitement of jump races in Aus to another level,do we have our own version of Ric waiting in the wings in Aaron?
His calls did Justice to a great days racing. Hopefully others within the industry can get excited about our great sport. Winter jumps races sure beat watching them slog round the outside at various other courses on the flat. I didn't see any money for Jump Racing in the entain deal specifically but I assume there will be a carrot to encourage more participation.
A few new jockeys are coming through, 20 something hurdlers at the trials today at Cambridge with a variety of trainers.The future could be bright if the right people get behind it and promote the great spectacle it is. Sit on your hands and you wither and die. Good marketing is the fertiliser that grows a successful business.
Letting it go won't help the industry I'll give you the tip. exhibit A : Oakbank in South Australia. Removing jumps was suppose to bring them into the new age and bring the crowds back. The crowd was outnumbered by track staff and security guards this year.
So thanks to Aaron for his enthusiasm and great calls. (i hope I don't hear to many of them and Im out riding in the premier races in the future )
I hope more trainers,owners,potential jockeys and the powers in charge of NZ Racing find the same enthusiasm as Aaron.
(note: a few of the jumping community spoke highly of Aarons calls today and I was encouraged to give him kudos on this site,which I was happy to do)