For the first time in what has seemed like an eternity, last week’s Budget was a very positive one for horse racing. The Government grant will rise by €6 million each year for the next three years and there’s a one-off €5 million in 2015 to be ring-fenced for capital development of Irish racecourses. That is a phenomenal result.

Irish racing should never take for granted how fortunate it is that the Irish Government recognises the value of the racing industry, the contribution it makes to the economy, and has been so willing to support it financially when possible. Other racing nations would give anything for a fraction of the political support that Irish racing receives from the State.