THE spat between Kieren Fallon and Matt Chapman took up plenty of column inches with a host of comments, informed and not so informed, added to the mix during the week. The reality is that it could be easily filed away under much ado about nothing.

Fallon might have had some case to make had he not reached for the “how many winners have you ridden” card and then applying it selectivity. Chapman is accused of knowing nothing about racing as he has never ridden, while the likes of Graham Cunningham are absolved of the same crime.

Presumably there were many who cried “what do you know about training horses” when Martin Pipe first took out a licence.

There’s no denying Chapman can be annoying, indiscreet, and often verging on rude.

But he is also enthusiastic, knowledgeable and will confront issues others leave unaddressed. He agreed the whip ban for the Bwindi ride was ridiculous.

Fallon’s previous Weekender column again sang the praises of True Story stating: “I’ve been riding good horses for 20 years and I know what I’m talking about.”

Punters who followed the colt might have a different opinion so far this season. That’s half the fun of the game - opinion.