RACING presenter Leonna Mayor has hit out at ‘bitchy’ comments about ITV’s coverage.
Ed Chamberlin and the gang have done a brilliant job bringing racing into punters’ living rooms during the Covid era.
From Cheltenham and Aintree to Chester and this week’s Boodles Festival, coverage has by and large gone without a hitch.
That was until a ‘major delay’ at Worcester yesterday due to a fatal horse incident threatened to scupper the track’s first showing on terrestrial TV in more than 20 years.
In sad circumstances, the cameras from the track did eventually roll.
But it seems some punters were against a comparatively smaller course getting any coverage at all.
Popular presenter Mayor, who regularly appears on ITV’s coverage plus Sky Sports Racing, took objection to comments she saw and voiced her opinion online.
The former jockey wrote on Twitter: “I’ve seen a few bitchy posts about @WorcesterRaces being on ITV. Are you joking?!
“Why not give some air time to smaller courses on terrestrial TV!
“I think it’s super and lovely for the courses, owners, trainers and jockeys at those meetings. And a true racing fan would agree.”
And punters were in agreement.
One said in reply: “Agree 1000 per cent with you. Such a shame you can’t please everyone!”
Another posted: “It’s a smashing course and local to me. It deserves a bit of recognition, it’s really struggled not just with the Covid restrictions but with flooding due to the River Severn.
“I think it was a wonderful little gesture to show today. Hopefully more will follow.”
One comment read: “It’s not all about @CheltenhamRaces and @Ascot, and if showing other courses raises their profile and gets people going racing, then surely it’s good for racing.”
A fellow punter said: “Racing is for everyone and every racecourse deserves coverage.”
While another wrote: “Completely agree with you Leonna. As a true racing man, it’s interesting to see all courses.”
FREE BETS GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to SE. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org
