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DAVID CARR |
Weblog: What do you mean the Wi-Fi doesn't work? The life of a Racing Post reporter
Sometimes you have to sit on the fence
Decisions, decisions - sometimes you need the judgment of Solomon in this job.
Such as today, writing the 'Talking Point' to set up Saturday's main action. Do I write about Sandown or Aintree? Which is the sexier story?
Top 2m chaser Sizing Europe strutting his stuff in the Tingle Creek Chase, in which Kauto Star's half-brother Kauto Stone is out to give trainer Paul Nicholls a remarkable seventh straight win?
Or the thrills and spills of the Becher and Grand Sefton Chases at Liverpool - always exciting but sure to have the world watching with trepidation tomorrow as the first races to be run over the Grand National fences since the deaths of two horses in the National itself last April led to a nationwide wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Experience suggests that there is only one thing to do when you can't decide. Don't.
Fudge. Take both sides. Sit on the fence. So that's what I did. Led on them both - messy but better than making a decision.
Remaining duties centred on Aintree, with tomorrow the only day in the year with two races over the Grand National fences.
Plenty will be watching them both from behind the sofa after those deaths and the controversy that followed - partly because an unfortunate overhead camera shot and the fact that fences were bypassed for the first time brought home to casual viewers the dangers of the race they have their only bet of the year in.
Changes have been made to the track and though Aintree managing director Julian Thick says the course will be under no more pressure than usual tomorrow, I bet he will be mightily relieved should all runners and riders come home safe and sound.
A busy Friday was made busier by phone calls and emails askingif there were any spaces left for Monday's HWPA Derby Awards.
My tireless wife and I compile the table plan and you would be astonished at those who try to cadge a late invitation 'because someone always drops out at the last minute'.
Someone might indeed drop out but whether their colleagues on a table which will have cost the best part of £1,000 will welcome the presence in their midst of a free-loading interloper is very much open to debate.
David Carr: moustache is no more
PICTURE: David CarrApologies for inflicting one last photograph on you but today's picture is evidence for the very kind Paul Mulgrew, who promised to double his Movember donation when I shaved off my moustache "as those photos on the blog are getting scary!"
Thanks to everyone who donated to a very worthwhile cause.
My only worry is how we can possibly beat this year's campaign in 2012. Handlebar moustaches all round? Growing beards as well? Or perhaps shaving our heads?
Plenty of time to make that decision.
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