Originally Posted by Tony Yeboah:
“I liked it, although the damp start reminded me of Alan Partridge at Marple. A few small points, I think Matt Chapman could do with a sparring partner with him in the betting ring, I suppose Oli Bell might do that some days and Brian Gleeson will be at the bigger meetings. Some of the graphics could be a bit clearer as well. Finally, it seemed the wrong-way round when Mick Fitzgerald asked Victoria Pendleton how best to jump the Cheltenham fences.
The more open feel to it and sense of fun took it away from the Channel 4 coverage and improved it my view, they need to try and win back the mianstream audeince. Ed Chamberlin showed what an excellent presenter he is and Richard Hoiles was faultless. Luke Harvey is very good and hopefully AP will become more relaxed with more experience as a TV pundit. Also nice to hear Gareth Topham with the course-commentary at Musselburgh.”
I agree with most of this, Chamberlin really did look very comfortable in his new role and just by listening to him you can tell he has a very large knowledge of the sport.
Oli Bell for me was the standout today, came across very well and Mark Chapman did really well in the betting ring.
Only negative really for me is Tony Mcoy, didn't look relaxed and at times almost seem to try to hard in his role, could do with smiling more as well, take a look a Chamberlin AP!
Surprised a little Mark Johnson wasn't used at Musslebourgh being number 2 rather than take course commentary.
As for Twitter, well it is ITV and people will moan just for that reason even if they thought it was a good performance.