Perception is not the issue

THE urgency of the “ban the whip” argument that surfaced last week seems to have abated as quickly as it had begun.

By far the most sensible argument for its continued use was put forth by trainer Jim Boyle, first online and then printed in the Racing Post last week and the “issue” was also well argued by Kevin Blake on the Sunday Forum.

Those who train and care for the horses should be the first port of call for comments. The generally offered argument that the public are losing interest in racing because of a ‘perception’ that horses are being hurt by the whip is far from the truth.

If anything is to be taken from the week’s McGregor/Mayweather antics it’s that people are more bloodthirsty than ever.

Stable with the stars

STABLE staff are in the news these weeks with the spotlight quite rightly moving on to their conditions and acknowledging their contribution to the sport.

So you want to work with horses? It’s a hard life.

But who could not be envious of Ballydoyle’s David Hickey getting up close and personal with the best of the best. In his Racing Post interview earlier this week he said: “I’ve been groom to Australia, Camelot, Yeats, Dylan Thomas, So You Think and Starspangledbanner.”

And this year? “I have Caravaggio, Churchill, Highland Reel, Capri and Deauville.” Hard work? Groom heaven.

Galileo best?

WITH Coolmore and Godolphin rarely, if ever, owning horses by the other’s rival and dominant sires, Galileo and Dubawi, very little comparison can be made through their offspring from the same mare.

One such case, however, is in the offspring of Ouija Board who has had two coverings by Galileo and one by Dubawi. Galileo seems to have the edge in this one too, siring Australia to Dubawi’s best effort with Frontiersman.

NOT THE QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Think it’s about time we got a new phrase to express delight and to describe GAA celebrations. The “There won’t be a cow milked in [insert county here]” is beginning to be a bit jaded.

Fahad Al-Thani @FahadAlthaniQR

What a shame. Saddle slipped. Thankfully I’m fine, just off to get a stitch or two to minor head wound. Thank you medical team at Newmarket

Jess Samy @Frankel1313

Never will I ever forget about Minding. She was THE QUEEN. Champion at 2, Champion at 3, Horse of The Year; Galileo’s finest daughter.

Paul Smith @PaulSmith0094

It’s been an absolute privilege to be associated with a filly such as Minding. Thank you to Aidan & all connected with her at Ballydoyle.

Ana O’Brien @anaobrien2

Wishing Minding a happy retirement as she just left for Coolmore today. #Minding #SpecialFilly

Davy Russell @_Davy_Russel_

He could win a gold cup on Thursday and a 5f sprint on a Friday probably 1 of the greatest to step into a pair of boots rip tommy Carberry

Declan O’Donoghue @dodonoghue_race

Tommy Carberry - utterly fearless, classy, brave, ballsy and shrewd - rest easy great man now your race is run

3 FURLONGS OUT @3furlongsout

Tommy Carberry is without a doubt one of the most influential Irish racing characters in the last 50 years, he will be sorely missed R.I.P

Jonjo O’Neill @JonjoONeill

Very sad that Tommy Carberry has died. We shared some brilliant times as jockeys and he was a fine trainer. Condolences to his family.

Barry Geraghty @BarryJGeraghty

Very sad to hear of Tommy Carberry’s passing he was a great character to be with who leaves a massive legacy RIP