For debate not to descend into a shouting match it always helps to argue on point. Racing's future isn't tied up in 'appeasing' a tiny minority vehemently opposed to it. Instead it lays is in continuing to reassure a large, silent and mostly oblivious majority that it's not cruel. So a lot of people need to stop being so defensive about steps being taken to ensure that. Simply circling the wagons is futile.

It has all been a bit of a whirlwind since Espoir D’Allen won the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham last Tuesday week. Surreal is the word I have been using to describe it all.