PROOF, if it were needed, that the bedrock of Ireland’s multi-million racing industry truly lies in the poorer relation sphere of the Irish equestrianism world could readily be seen with the wonderful success of the flagship National Hunt Punchestown Racing Festival by Eventing Ireland president, racehorse trainer extraordinare Jessica Harrington.

Their success grabbed all the big headlines this week as, in the background, the sport horse industry tried to gather its wits and various reports around it to lobby government for more central exchequer funding.