Originally Posted by Darren Lethem:
“Having being to the National I can confirm it is perfectly bright and light at 5.15”
We discussed this same point in the Horse Racing Thread in Sport. I've been to Aintree on the Thursday and Saturday for as long as I can remember.
You went one year and it was great, and you are using that single experience to tell us there won't be a problem. However, it isn't always as you found it. I'd remember at least four or five occasions when the light and atmospheric conditions made it very difficult for spectators on course to see, more so than an hour before.
Obviously it could be a clear, sunny day, and it won't be a problem, the point I am making is that the risk of poor light increases considerably when moving it an hour at that time of year. That is something that won't be appreciated by TV viewers who are guaranteed a good enough picture. God only knows why they then want to run a race at 6:10.
Marcus Townend has reported that people don't stream out of the course after the main race. I can only assume he spends all day in the press hospitality tent. I can tell him that roughly a third of punters disappear after it and if he were walk to the West Tip stand for the final two races he'd have 4 of every 5 seats to choose from.
Final point on this, the stated reason for improving TV figures is nonsense. It is already Channel 4's biggest draw, so I don't see why this is a problem. The fact is that it is being moved to afford an extra hours drink and to put an end to the very issue Townend claims not to exist. The other fact is that if people want to watch it, they will.
It is a ridiculous move for numerous reasons.