THERE was a missed irony in the debate on ATR’s Sunday Forum last week, which featured trainer John Berry defending his comments that the lack of success for women riders in Britain was due to the majority of the better horses being in Arab ownership.

The post Champions Day analysis on the two racing channels on Sunday morning, consisted of an At The Races panel chaired by Robert Cooper with Julian Muscat, John Berry and Peter Thomas.

A few channels along, Racing UK had Oli Bell in the chair aided by Dave Cleary, Dave Yeats and Tony Calvin. Later that night the Woodbine ATR coverage had Richard Perham and Nicholas Godfrey. At Naas on Sunday, Kevin O’Ryan was the man on track.

A full day’s sport on TV - and not a woman in sight - and we can’t blame the Muslims!.

Qewys conundrum

John Ferguson might have allowed himself a wry smile in his new role this week as Godolphin overseer. He had charge of Qewy and tried to make a Coral Cup winner or novice chaser out of the gelding, who won Wednesday’s Grade 3 Geelong Cup, a recognised trial for the Melbourne Cup.

Thumbs up Gowran

Gowran Park’s idea of giving all the riders at the last flat meeting of the season a gift token in appreciation was a commendable gesture.

Horse to follow

It’s the time of year to get excited as the top jumpers and new potential stars emerge. This week Charlie Longsdon trained a double on Wednesday. The eyecatcher was Monty’s Award, a fine looking Oscar gelding bred by Jimmy Mangan who won his bumper at Worcester.