AT home and on my trip this week to Newmarket, two topics dominated conversations: the retirement from the saddle of Kieren Fallon and the continuing fallout from the Brexit decision by voters in Britain.

This week our paper, in common with many other column inches in both the trade and the national newspapers, pays tribute to the talented rider who has been forced to make the decision to retire from his profession. Winner of the Epsom Derby on three of the less celebrated victors of that great race, their successes point to his ability to get that little extra from even some of the less talented performers.

Perhaps inevitably, a look back at his career brought with it the regurgitation of some moments that are probably not among his own personal highlights. Too much emphasis was placed on some of these, in my opinion.

Kieren Fallon is to be celebrated now for the bravery he showed in publically admitting the depression he has and continues to suffer. This most personal of troubles is now a matter of record, and is another example of a leading sportsman opening up about this most terrible of sufferings. The fact that he has done so will again help to get us to the situation where any stigma attaching to the disease is fully removed.

There can be no family in this land that does not have a member of their wider circle who is suffering or has suffered from depression. Sadly, for many they may not realise it as that family member or friend may not admit to it. What we must do as a nation, and individually, is to embrace those who suffer and to respect the difficulty they are experiencing.

So too with Kieren Fallon and now it is time to give him space to deal with the issue, not in the glare of public speculation or coverage, but rather in privacy. In time hopefully Kieren will be back and involved in this sport that he knows so well and has contributed to in such a significant way. I personally, and on your behalf, wish him well.

MARKETS STRONG

Last week I alluded to the apprehension that many may have felt about the July Sale at Newmarket and what the reaction of buyers might be. A stellar catalogue and an international buying bench showed that there appeared to be no immediate fallout from the Brexit vote.