Alan King Jockeys

[BigAdz]

Isn't it about time Wayne Hutchinson was given the pick of rides over Choc Thornton?

Over the last few years it has become clear that all Choc's falls have taken their toll and he just doesnt ride as positively as he used to. He used to be brave and ride horses into fences and hurdles, but now a familiar trait is to almost lean back as he approaches the obstacle, at speed, adopting a very careful stance. Wayne,on the other hand sits beautifully still and presents horses wonderfully at the fence.

Aside of styles, look at Kings record over the last few years, his totals are down, and his golden periods each year are when Choc has been injured and Wayne is riding, see Jan/Feb this year.

Just now King had 2 in a race and this was the perfect example. Choc on the 1/2 fav(so obviously fancied more than the 2nd string) was all at sea. Had the horse in a bad position, never presented it at hurdles well and was outrideen over the final couple when ahead of stablemate.

The first nail in the coffin for me, was when Choc also showed a total lack of brains a few years back. I recall a novice chase at Newbury when he was riding Bensalem in a nervous chase against Diamond Harry. DH continually jumped right at fences on that day, but good old Choc was getting spooked by decided the best course of action was to ride upsides the right of DH, thus getting carries further right at each fence.

I am firmly of the opinion that had Wayne been riding Walkon, Mr King would now have care of the Paddy Power winner.

Time for a change methinks?

[BigAdz]

Anyone else see Thorntons 3 rides for King today. Any differing thoughts?

[The Camel]

Anyone else see Thorntons 3 rides for King today. Any differing thoughts?

I've thought the same for 3 seasons.

Thornton must have something on King.

[Chompy]

Thoughts on Richard Johnson? Think they guy is nowhere near top-ten material, let alone confirmed no.2 to McCoy. Defo no.2 though. Seems to slam horses into so many fences, esp novice chasers. I can't have him at all.

[BigAdz]

Anyone else see Thorntons 3 rides for King today. Any differing thoughts?

I've thought the same for 3 seasons.

Thornton must have something on King.

LOL. Thats the concesus when discussed locally!

[The Camel]

Thoughts on Richard Johnson? Think they guy is nowhere near top-ten material, let alone confirmed no.2 to McCoy. Defo no.2 though. Seems to slam horses into so many fences, esp novice chasers. I can't have him at all.

100% agree.

Fine on seasoned handicappers.

I wouldn't let him near a novice I owned/.

[Karabiner]

Thoughts on Richard Johnson? Think they guy is nowhere near top-ten material, let alone confirmed no.2 to McCoy. Defo no.2 though. Seems to slam horses into so many fences, esp novice chasers. I can't have him at all.

I've not liked him as a rider of 'chasers for at least a couple of years now.

Very over-rated imo.

[action man]

<3 the national hunt

is haydock full of dickheads when the sticks is on or is it just on the flat?

[Chompy]

Only ever been to Haydock for a NH fixture but it was fine then. The scouse slappers stick to Friday nights in the summer imo, esp the one that can be heard screaming every winner in.

[The Camel]

Only ever been to Haydock for a NH fixture but it was fine then. The scouse slappers stick to Friday nights in the summer imo, esp the one that can be heard screaming every winner in.

[ ] It was the scouse slappers Trigg was reffering to.

[BigAdz]

Sums Thornton up. First race of the day at Ascot falls off a hurdler 50 yards after the first flight.

Depressing as a King fan.

[BigAdz]

Meanwhile up at haydock Wayneo beats Ruby in a finish on a horse fallen 2/3 last few races.

I rest my case.....

[Biddy 62]

7/4 aswell

[BigAdz]

Johnson equally poor.

His poor old father in law Noel Chance went for a touch on his. Obliged to have Johnson on board and manages to dump the horse on the floor at first fence. Could signal the end of Chance, who rarely has runners these days, which for a trainer of his pedigree is a travesty.

[Biddy 62]

So Noel Chances demise is down to one ride by Richard Johnson?