Simply no consistency in National Hunt race starts

Sir, - When will we have consistency in the starting of National Hunt races?

There seems to be quite a range of options including trot up, walk in, stand still, form a line and single file. There may be others.

To be fair to all concerned, yes, we are dealing with animals who may be unpredictable at best but it is also very important that owners and punters, whether on track or watching at home, see that their horse gets off to a fair start.

If a situation arises where a runner in a National Hunt race is not lined up with the others when the tape is raised then I suggest a false start MUST be called in the interest of fairness to all. The start cannot be valid when a jockey is wrestling to get back in the saddle having been impeded at the start.

If different starters are applying different standards then we will end up with a free-for-all, anything-goes mentality which is potentially dangerous and will reflect badly on Irish racing. - Yours etc.,

PETER SPAIN

Millbrook,

Timolin,

Moone,

Co Kildare