APOLOGY. A regretful acknowledgement of an offence or failure. We know that they are rare enough.

This week the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board issued an apology for the events at Naas last weekend. They were the result of human error, though you would imagine from many comments made that such an occurrence can never be excused.

Yes, there can always be tighter protocols and procedures put in place to lessen the possibility of them happening. Will that mean they will never recur? Absolutely not, especially where humans and animals are concerned. The unexpected is always possible.

Criticism is fair enough, once we keep to the meaning of the word – analysis and judgement of the merits and faults of a situation. Do recent events such as the problems with the starts at Naas and Punchestown, and the decision of the stewards at Navan, deserve to be scrutinised and commented upon. Yes they do.

Does this call into question the whole raison d’etre and professionalism of the IHRB? Surely not. Can they do better? In certain areas and circumstances, they can.

Is there any area of society where improvement is not possible? I will let you answer that for yourself.

As Dermot Weld says in The Big Interview today, “We should be more proud of our sport.” I concur with him.

Call to arms

Pandemic, or no pandemic, the work of animal charities continue. The Irish Horse Welfare Trust provides rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming services to the wider equestrian community, and the charity is now looking for new members to join the board.

The Trust has been providing welfare services for over 20 years and is dedicated to improving the lives of all horses, but thoroughbreds in particular. They receive support from Horse Racing Ireland, the Foal Levy, and the Department for Agriculture Food and the Marine among others. They rely on voluntary income to maintain their operations.

The present board comprises five trustees, covering a variety of skill sets, and they would particularly like to hear from people with a knowledge of the thoroughbred industry. With some exciting plans in the pipeline they need someone with energy and enthusiasm to help deliver on their vision.

Sheila Bailey is leading the drive and, if you can commit to regular board meetings and helping the charity achieve its aims, get in touch with her at sbailey@hyde-bailey.com