Last Saturday’s card at Cheltenham was supposed to be about solving some puzzles and making the picture clearer for the Cheltenham Festival, (#FTD, everythin's got a hashtag these days!).

But the headline grabbers were not the horses but two riders, and two lady riders at that, Bryony Frost and Lizzie Kelly. Yes, it's still okay to call them lady riders. There was a lady rider on the front cover and page 3 of the Racing Post on Sunday morning.

Now there are calls that this should not be front page news. "Stop calling them lady riders, they are just riders," were cries of many on social media forums. Ruby Walsh on ITV Racing acknowledged Frost's talents in the saddle.

Lizzie Kelly (right)

However, we have not yet crossed the line in the race for equality. We still do need to give attention to big wins for the girls, for the simple reason that racing is still a very male-dominated sport. Most of the decisions are made by males.

Every female rider admits that it’s as much about getting recognised as an equal in ability to get on the right horses, and showcase your talents and gain acceptance.

That’s what the weight allowance was intended to do in France - give more opportunities.

On the flat, Josephine Gordon has made great strides in the UK and the apprentice Nicola Currie is following in the paths of Cathy Gannon and Hayley Turner.

Like it or not, a huge part of racing involves betting, and betting is a predominantly male pastime. The majority of trainers are male, the top riders are male and they will inevitably get the top mounts.

In other equine sports, show jumping and eventing, no thought is given to the gender of the rider and it is never seen as related to the success of the horse.

In racing, females (even presenters) are more harshly judged. Lady riders are generally treated to stronger criticism if the punters' cash is lost on a fancied runner.

Bryony Frost is having a season of seasons and Lizzie Kelly has proved herself in big handicaps and with Grade 1 winners. But despite that, you can’t argue but that they still depend on their own stables for rides in the big races. Frost has the backing of Paul Nicholls and Kelly relies on her stepfather Nick Williams for mounts. When these women have success it needs to be lauded.

Nina and Katie distinguished themselves by their successes, including a win apiece in the Irish Grand National, and they are considered just as good as male jockeys.

Rachael Blackmore - now accepted as a top rider (right)

At Naas on Sunday, Rachael Blackmore was among the winners, and in the colours of one of our biggest owners. Lisa O'Neill is also regularly used. There's grounds for thinking that Irleand is ahead of Britain in giving due recognition The girls are not headline news any more, and that’s how it should be, but we’re not fully there yet.

BLACK MARKS

To the yobs who could be heard shouting during the minute's silence for Richard Woollacott. They should be identified and barred.

TOP MARKS

The new Circle building at Naas is a must-see for racegoers, a thoroughly modern facility - rare enough on Irish racecourses - with fabulous viewing of everything on the racecourse from the owners and trainers area and balcony.

The general public bar area on the bottom floor also give great views of the on-track activities with plenty of seating. It provided spacious seating, warmth and comfort on a winter's day and will be even better for summer evening meetings. Full credit all on the team.

SAD DAYS

The death of Peter Casey saw us say farewell to another of Irish racing's characters.

The saddest line from the weekend reports was one from Alistair Down’s Cheltenham reflections on Richard Woollacott’s passing. The late trainer's wife Kayley was quoted as saying: "When Lalor won at Wincanton in February, I said 'this one will see us through'." It wasn’t to be."

HAPPY DAYS

Next Saturday – Petit Mouchoir V Footpad … and that’s just the beginning at Leopardstown.