Opinion | Horse racing's YouTube hall of fame

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YouTube may be the greatest procrastination tool known to man, and responsible for making hyperactive pageant queens and keyboard playing cats famous for their intellectually stimulating antics.

In fact this very blog was nearly derailed after clicking on three consecutive “epic fail compilations” and watching “Kai, the hatchet wielding hitchhiker” for the 58th time. But for the race fan, from hardcore form student to casual observer, the video-sharing website is a Godsend. There’s still gold to be unearthed and uploaded from dusty VHS libraries the world over, but among the billions of clips on YouTube there’s already loads to enjoy for the racing enthusiast. From historical racetrack performances to funny commentary, commercials and shattered Japanese cheer squads, it's all there.Today we proudly present SCMP Racing Post's five inaugural inductees into "YouTube's horse racing Hall of Fame".

Secreteriat's Kentucky Derby win is also interesting to watch if only for how close the crowd get to the inside rail in the straight. If you'd backed Secreteriat, it's ok to get excited, but a quick tip: if you've backed a two to one on favorite, and he is pulling away for an easy win, don't rush toward the inside running rail at the furlong pole as he runs past, waving your arms like a madman while wearing a bright yellow sweater, it's asking for trouble. 

YouTube is not only a place to find great races, but also great calls. On the score of persistence, Jim Jacques wins for his hoarse whisperer call. But the best is Tom Durkin calling fan favorite Arrr at Saratoga Racecourse on July 28, 2008