LAST Saturday’s edition of the Morning Line, saw Mark Johnston line up against pundit Graham Cunningham to defend his comments that too much betting coverage in TV racing programmes was not what the public wanted to see.

While some of Johnston’s comments have been too dismissive of a huge element of racing’s funding base, and racecourse concerts do bring crowds to the tracks, he comes from a different perspective which should not be ignored. Many trainers don’t bet and have no interest in morning prices or what is being backed. Johnston shouldn’t be castigated for being one of them.

He may be in a privileged position with wealthy owners and his reputation made but that doesn’t devalue his opinion. Although he stood his ground and made some valid points, the concensus was that Cunningham had won the argument.

However, the point seemed to be missed that this type of programme actually went some way to proving Johnston’s point. This was what viewers want, an entertaining debate on relevant issues by people not afraid to take a strong stand. Not bland bookmakers’ representatives telling us what was being backed or drifting.

Another valid comment afterwards was that football betting grows season by season but it never encroaches onto TV coverage.

The programme last Saturday went someway to enhance Johnston’s points. We must engage racing fans and broaden its attraction to a younger audience.