THE margins between victory and defeat are so small these days. Training horses is so much more than simply taking them out on the gallops and getting them fit. Every aspect of the care and preparation of a horse for the races is finely tuned, and a hallmark of the most successful trainers is their attention to every detail.

For this reason it is understandable that some are upset to learn that American trainer Wesley Ward was allowed to train his team at Ascot ahead of next week’s Royal extravaganza. This is a meeting that shapes the future careers of horses, and absolutely no stone will be left unturned by trainers to have their charges at their peak.

Should Ward have been granted permission to gallop on the racecourse ahead of the meeting? It is a courtesy sometimes afforded international runners when they travel to far-flung destinations, though it must be said that it is not a given. In some countries the local runners are also afforded the same rights.

Those raising the issue for debate have faced plenty of criticism on social media, though I bet that many trainers are also supportive of the call to disallow the privilege if it cannot be extended to everyone. Caught in the middle are the Ascot management team.

The arguments for and against allowing Ward to gallop his horses at Ascot are pretty evenly balanced in my view. On that basis I would probably lean towards the view not to allow this facility to just a few. If in doubt, leave it out.

INJURED JOCKEYS

Calling all amateur photographers, this is your time. Last year The Irish Field partnered with the Irish Injured Jockeys to help produce their sold-out 2017 calendar. The pictures included were all taken by members of the public and the reaction to the final product was amazing.

This year we hope to make it even better, and this weekend sees the launch of the competition to be included in the next calendar. Full details can be found on page A19.

HORSE WORLD

Make sure to read the lovely profile of Patricia Nicholson in the Horse World section of the paper. One lovely memory for me is brought back by her recalling of the success enjoyed by Biddy Meehan’s mare Sweet Dreams in the 1969 Irish Grand National, trained by Kevin Bell and ridden by Bobby Coonan.