CrustyPatch,
That pause did/does occur sometimes when as you say the judge could announce the result but is not always the case. Brian Goodwill waited last night till McGrath had finished all his commentary before announcing the result.
Do people really want the names of 30 horses trotted out at the end of the Hunt Cup?
I think, with David Fitzgerald, he must realise he goes on perhaps a bit too long in bigger-field races so presses the "silent" button for the course commentary to give the judge chance to announce the result. He then continues ad nauseum right to the bitter end for At The Races. Youthful enthusiasm, perhaps, because it’s certainly him I notice it with occasionally.
I suppose some judges patiently wait if the commentator does not go on too long or if they are not given a sufficiently appropriate window by the commentator temporarily stopping and pressing the "silent" button for the course feed before resuming for the At The Races service. Have to say, it’s only really been David Fitzgerald where I have noticed this.
You’re quite right that nobody wants 30 runners trotted out at the end of the Hunt Cup. No doubt the commentator will give up after the first 10 or 15!