SOMETIMES one is lost for words.

There are either no superlatives good enough to convey what you want to say, or you simply cannot put into words the emotions you feel. After this week I think I may need to lie down in a dark room for a few days. I am emotionally drained and exhilarated in equal measure.

Above all else, we have to be conscious at this time of the worldwide pandemic that is Covid-19, a threat to our daily existence, the consequences of which we may not yet be fully aware, and something which is having a very real and difficult impact on many lives.

This takes precedence over all else at present. Whatever ones political view, it seems to me that the Irish authorities at all levels are taking measured approaches that will hopefully prove to have been prudent.

Before the whole question of whether Cheltenham should or would go ahead became an issue, we had news from the USA of the indictment of a host of trainers, veterinarians and more for alleged drug misuse. The list included a number of names well-known globally, including John Servis who is fresh from training the best three-year-old in the USA last year, and winner of the world’s richest race, Maximum Security. He does not train him now.

While indictment does not mean guilt, the swift action to move the champion racehorse has to be applauded. It is unfair that any cloud should hang over his future, while racing in general does not need any question mark to follow his future exploits. Equine welfare is a priority for the industry and for individuals, and the highest standards must always apply.

Irish success

While the debate on whether racing should or should not have gone ahead at Cheltenham will rumble on, we have to salute the Irish successes this week. They were off the radar. Whether it was the titanic battle between Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott, the jockeys from these shores who were riding out of their skin, the breeders who continue to produce consistent quality, and the staff who look after our equine heroes and heroines, all played a blinder over the past four days.

Readers of this column too will know what is coming next. The success story of fillies competing at the highest level was seen to great effect this week and I make no apologies for highlighting it again. It is a credit to many and I look forward to seeing it enhanced in the future.