Given there isn’t a financial pot to pee in these days, the subject of radical change to the policing of Irish racing which might involve any extra cost is pretty academic. Another given is that the practicalities of integrity appear to be well down HRI’s list of priorities. But on the basis that change may eventually occur sometime, way down the line, it is not unreasonable even at this time for the perennial question of professional stewarding to get another airing. (more…)

In Ireland far more serious things than racing have sadly illustrated how rules and regulations are sometimes not nearly as important as the will to enforce them. Certainly the absence of leadership from the top when it comes to policing the sport in this country can sometimes be irrelevant when those on the ground don’t appear to want to act. (more…)

The smell of burning martyr is usually in direct proportion to the degree of singed fingers when it comes to betting the ponies. Thus it is that hard luck tales should usually be accompanied with more than a few table spoonfuls of salt and a reminder that no one is forced into having a bet. But even allowing for all that, in first world racing terms Ireland is rapidly turning into a sort of punting bandit country. (more…)

It is worth a hark back to the start of the current flat season when some pretty dire forecasts were being made for Aidan O’Brien’s 2011 prospects due to the fact of their being no retained jockey in place at Ballydoyle. And yet here we are in July with the relentless momentum of the Coolmore juggernaut purring merrily along as normal. (more…)