Time to move on

Sir, - In a time when nothing is certain, nothing can be planned and outcomes can be sideswiped at a moment’s notice, perhaps we should look for solutions rather than just to the problem at hand.

The fallout over the unsatisfactory race start at Naas last Sunday is a case in point. It was not ideal, a mess in fact, with many vested interests having legitimate anger and disappointment, having been left out of pocket as a result of the situation. It is clear that, with calm retrospective eyes, different outcomes could have been forthcoming.

But there is no point dwelling on what should or could have been, Solutions rather than recriminations are what is necessary.

For instance, a hands-free mobile phone connection with ear buds between the starter and the white flag man or the stewards might have helped.

On Thursday the IHRB issued an apology which seemed straightforward and humble in relation to this matter, however much it must have been difficult reading for some.

In their own words, they got it wrong on the day and they said so. People try, people do their best. It’s hard to keep racing going at the moment and those that run it need a break too.

Credit where credit is due. Let’s all have some empathy towards each other.

- Yours etc.,

Christine Howitt,

Wexford

Fix the starts

Sir, - Just a couple of weeks ago in a hurdle race at Punchestown, as the tapes went up, the runners were not in a straight line as they are obliged to be.

In fact, the runners were strung out like the proverbial washing line, and one of the runners was not even on the racecourse proper as the tapes rose.

Meanwhile, at the front one of the runners got away to a 15-length lead which he never relinquished.

Even that pales into insignificance compared to what happened at Naas on Sunday. How can punters take Irish racing seriously when this kind of occurrence keeps on happening?

Indeed, we must not forget the owners who pay most to keep the show on the road through training fees, entry fees, and more. The least they should expect is a fair start for their horses when they run.

This is happening far too often in Irish racing and needs to be addressed immediately, and fixed once and for all.

- Yours etc.,

Declan O’Connell

Newbridge,

Co Kildare