Horse Racing: The Importance Of Having An Opinion

The world and his wife have an opinion.

The world and her husband do too.

Our pet budgie, Jimmy, sadly now deceased had lots to say. He used to sit in his cage each night, eyes closed, chatting to himself or anyone who cared to listen to his words. True, he may have been mimicking the words he heard. The TV sat just a few feet away so it’s no surprise he liked to recount his favourite adverts. ‘We take more care of you…’ He used to whistle ‘We’re off to see the Wizard, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. We once recorded Jimmy’s conversation on an old cassette recorder and he was chatting away for an hour or so. He mentioned our pet dog, Zak, and referenced: ‘He bit me, don’t deny it!’

I loved little Jimmy.

He had more character in his little winged body than a giant of a man.

I enjoyed listening to his words.

To me, he was quite opinionated.

At times brash.

Horse racing opinions are a similar story. I guess they can range from the fool with an opinion to the font of all wisdom (whoever that may be). You can have a worse opinion than a fool and that is someone who intentionally tells you something hoping to put you off a winner or stitch you up with the supposed good thing they picked out with a pin.

Having a strong opinion myself, I don’t like listening to other’s opinions about two-year-old horse racing because, whether right or wrong, I feel I know more than most. That can be a double-edged sword. However, I would rather die by drinking my own poison. Also, I enjoy the elixir of life. Each to their own. I once heard of a man who lived in Alaska who in fear of suffering hypothermia would drink a thimble full of anti-freeze each Sunday morning after saying a prayer.

All went well until one day he died.

However, should we be afraid of other’s opinions? Even if we are convinced we know more should we still listen to the word’s of an anorak?

Clearly, it’s a good idea to vet the people who may have an opinion. You need to raise the bar to a certain level. Although perhaps that ‘crazy fool’ who picks horses by their name or the colour of the racing silks may say something inspirational.

I often talk to my brother about horse racing. And my opinions have been met with mixed feelings. Good news. I put him off backing a loser. Bad news. I put him off betting on a 33/1 winner. Not good at all. That’s the problem with having an opinion. It can be the best and worst idea. It’s enough to make you keep your opinions to yourself.

This matter needs some thought if not explanation. Because what is the best answer to the question? Should we state our opinion or never say a word? I will limit this to never saying a word about horse racing else it will be too much for anyone to consider. I’m not sure it’s possible to have a conversation without having an opinion.

I must admit I’ve felt bad when I told someone my opinion and it resulted in them missing a winner. It doesn’t go down well. In fact, if you don’t know someone well it’s probably best not to have an opinion about the horse they have picked to win. It can only lead to disappointment.

It’s one of those things.

Even the most informed opinion can be wrong. It happens however difficult to appreciate. I said to my brother: ‘I either give you my opinion or never say another word on the subject matter.’

It makes no sense not to state an opinion as saying nothing really isn’t an option (keep quiet with strangers though). Anyone who knows their subject should be right more than they are wrong. So long term their opinion should have some worth. It should be a positive rather than a negative. Short term this may seem a disastrous idea. However, the option of listening to an opinion and declining it should be acknowledged by both parties. Yes, it sounds like the opening statement of a lawsuit. You may need to state terms and conditions which brings concern to any opinion given.

Never be afraid of giving an opinion or listening to them. Whether right or wrong they are simply part of a bigger picture.

Don’t blame me if your horses losses or you missed a winner because you were listening to my every word.

However, I do agree that sometimes we have to whistle our own tune.

Just like Jimmy did when whistling: ‘We’re off the to see the Wizard the Wonderful Wizard of Oz.’