Nuisances is probably closer to the truth.

Hi Marcus,
Yes, you are right. Was thinking more along the line of how many factors there are.

I'll always remember standing at the fence with Tony when after a jockey was legged up, the horse had a dump. This is a definite negative so was automatically given the flick. Naturally the horse went terribly ;-)

Regards, Gary

Your colt really isn't exceptional Duritz. The author quotes a 7 day study by Dr M Tischner who found that of the 7 stallions he watched (using a flashlight at nights) they had an average of 7.4 erections per day, 3.8 full erections and attempted to masturbate 4.1 times. The stallions spent 38 minutes a day on average with an erect **********, 19.5 minutes of this time was spent masturbating. Sue McDonnel however in her study found an average of 18 erections a day in stabled horses, 75% of them including masturbation (broken down in to 83% bounces, 57% presses and only 13% pelvic thrusts). This book doesn't skimp on detail. However ejaculation was only observed on 4 of 447 occasions so maybe your horse was good performer - outside the stalls at least.
Unfortunately sexual signs are not a good omen for the horses winning prospects. Perhaps you should consider it for breeding.

KV

Hi Gary,

Yes, "Grabbed by Clerk" is one of his sixty variables. Scores a -5 on the richter scale (Erections are -15 Duritz). Anything other than a calm horse is pretty much a bad sign and if the clerk has to grab him I guess he ain't calm.

KV

Dumping scores a -8.

KV

I quote from the book here (and hope I don't infringe copywrite).
"While investigating this rather indelicate matter of horse masturbation I came across some information that needs to be passed on to punters in the interest of occupational health and safety. Surgical registrars at two London hospitals reported on several disturbing cases involving penile injuries to humans caused by, of all things, vacuum cleaners. In one case a 60 year old man said that he was changing the plug of his Hoover Dustette vacuum cleaner in the nude while his wife was out shopping. The machine 'turned itself on' and caught his ********** causing severe lacerations. In another case a 65 year old signalman bent down to pick up his tools and caught his ********** in a vaccuum cleaner which happened to be switched on." So it goes on.

I like an author who is concerned about the welfare of his punting friends as they go about their household chores.

KV

Oh believe me, we are very aware that our colt isn't exceptional...... and as for the breeding? Well, unless you can find a way to breed without gazoolies, 'cos he's now a gelding.

Very funny anecdotes about the vacuum cleaning mishaps btw... Imagine trying to convince the doctor's/nurses of that.

"No, really, that's what happened!!" you say to the hot nurse who's looking at you with contempt.

I think I am going to get this book.

Hi Paddy,

You've obviously read the book I'm interested to know if you felt you gained anything useful from it since it's sort of off at a tangent from most peoples way of picking a winner.
It's so opposite from my selection style (which is to sit in front of a computer and pretty much bet on the horses without even knowing their names, in fact lately I don't even listen to the races on the radio let alone watch them) that most of the time I can't really employ anything from the book directly. I have to say though that on the rare occasions when I go to the track it will make my day out more enjoyable and if I'm tossing up between a couple of close selections watching them at the track or on TV having read the book may well make the choice of which one I pick a lot easier.
Plus of course I'll always vacuum a lot more safely in future.

KV

Well actually I'm in the process of reading it KennyVictor.
Lesson 1 already learnt. Be careful how you carry out your parade ring inspection


As you know GH has concluded that signs of sexual behaviour reduce a horses expected chance of winning by 15%.



Well here I am first time at the mounting yard after flicking through the book (I normally flick through & then read in depth later). I'm thinking the direct approach is the best way to go, so as each horse goes past I look at them squarely in the eye, give them a wink & ask just loud enough for them to hear.....did you get any last night!??



Well! I can tell you...little reaction from the neddies, but the comments / looks received back from the strappers had to be heard / seen to believe



PS: if you're on the make, why not try the Paddy approach next time you're at the races......you might be pleasantly surprised



PPS: a pair of good running shoes is also highly recommended!

__________________
Ta me go maith

Heh, heh, you're right Paddy. I asked my sister if I could feel her horses subcutaneous fat the other day (as recommended by GH) and got a very funny look. :-)