THE column inches given in the press, and the social media reaction generated by Gordon Elliott’s comments about no hiding place in Ireland for good horses, comparing it with the situation in Britain where the better horses tend to avoid each other until Cheltenham in March, touched a nerve.

Most members of the training ranks across the water chose to remain silent, perhaps an acknowledgement that the master of Cullentra House was making a reasonable point. Others may have simply felt that it was much ado about nothing. Elliott was expressing an opinion, and there is some validity to his view.

When Constitution Hill and Epatante took each other on in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at the weekend, it was not the ideal situation for their trainer Nicky Henderson, nor for their respective owners. However, their connections looked at the bigger picture and the clash went ahead. Racing was all the better and more exciting for the duel.

Firm evidence that the leading performers either take on or avoid each other is hard to prove, but if perception is reality then it is the case in Britain that they swerve unnecessary clashes. Trainers tend to have well-worn paths they follow to Cheltenham, and they are generally wary of any deviation.

The scene is very different in Ireland, and this Sunday’s Grade 1 Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse is an example of our best runners, and stable companions, taking each other on. The unbeaten wonder mare Honeysuckle is aiming to win the race for a record fourth time, and take her unbeaten run to 18, including her point-to-point, and she has competition.

Willie Mullins saddles three of her seven opponents, six-time Grade 1 winner Klassical Dream, dual Grade 1 winner Saldier, and a third Grade 1 winner in the mare Echoes In Rain. Gordon Elliott is doubly represented with this year’s Aintree Grade 1 winner Sire Du Berlais and the four-time graded winner Teahupoo, while Jessica Harrington and Gavin Cromwell make sure the race is honest with dual Grade 2 winner Ashdale Bob and the multiple Grade 1-placed Darver Star.

One of the main factors why our Grade 1 races are, arguably, more competitive than they are in Britain is that many of the better horses are in training in Ireland. In last year’s hurdling division four of the five top-rated horses are trained in Ireland, and three of them clash on Sunday. No ducking and diving here, no matter what others might think.

As Fairyhouse manager Peter Roe says, “it’s a race not to be missed”.