TIPSTER’S VIEW

ITV delivered on a promise to fill their racing broadcasts with more ‘fun’ than their predecessors when the channel launched their first horseracing coverage since 1985 at Cheltenham yesterday. Their first programme was more jovial than the Channel 4 output as amiable and assured lead presenter Ed Chamberlin seamlessly completed the transition from Sky football anchor man to racing host. Well supported by Sir Anthony McCoy and the underrated Luke Harvey, Chamberlin and his compatriots braved miserable conditions in the parade ring to provide light-hearted and informative content as the programme swept along at a decent pace. A terrific first televised race, called in typically superb fashion by commentator Richard Hoiles, saw Whisper edge out Clan Des Obeaux with viewers brought up to speed on the winner’s starting price immediately, information which isn’t always readily available on other channels. Mick Fitzgerald and Alice Plunkett performed the roving roles well to provide colour, although the decision to interview Victoria Pendleton on her views of the track and how she would ride it will have caused eyebrows to rise. Perhaps the one disappointment, other than the tiny graphics which took some deciphering for us old-timers, was betting-ring guru Matt Chapman — who was underwhelming. One prolonged discussion with a racecourse bookie about his hair, or lack of it, was particularly excruciating and wasted an opportunity to provide real insight into the way the betting ring operates.