SIR,

A few weeks ago, I was reading racing articles in English papers on racing. The pattern was about how many races will Irish horses win at Cheltenham this year and there was a definite annoyance about the number of Irish horses in races, plus the same pattern in the Grand National at Aintree.

It was no surprise that it emerged this week the BHA are considering a reduction in the number of Irish horses in major races, with particular potential to impact Gordon Elliott and Willie Mullins. When Gordon Elliott entered 17 horses in a single race, it triggered a response and it raised questions about racing in Ireland.

Gordon Elliott, Willie Mullins, Henry de Bromhead and so on are doing nothing wrong but there is a pattern developing of almost all the major races going to a small number of trainers. For example, at the two-day Punchestown Winter Festival last month, Gordon Elliott had seven winners and Willie Mullins had three. Likewise, at Navan on December 9th, Gordon recorded four winners, Willie won two races and Henry one.

In addition, the places in the major races are generally going to the same successful trainers. The crowds were good, there were some great finishes at the major festival meetings, but the small trainers and owners cannot compete at this “new” level.

I was watching Gordon Elliott being interviewed on RTÉ after two wins and it was interesting, but when another of his horses won, with the possibility of another interview, I was bored and I switched it off. Other people might feel the same.

I think the racing authorities need to look at where National Hunt racing is going. French-bred horses are taking many of the big races (the stats show it) and it seems to apply to exclusive rich owners only, which could make the situation for ordinary owners, trainers and jockeys even worse. A number could drop out.

Racing could be deemed too expensive for many, from owners to patrons. Racing in the future will have to compete with soccer, GAA, rugby, golf and other sports. The racing authorities need to be active and prepared for changes in racing with a view to the future.

Yours etc,

Stan McCormack

Kilbeggan,

Co Westmeath