AFTER the Turf Club Appeals Body had eventually settled on a punishment, one that most had originally thought was appropriate for the Kings Dolly affair, the first thought was to move swiftly on.

We’ve had enough of the Davy Russell, and Punch-gate saga, so it was time to leave it alone, enough said.

But as a member of the press, who came under fire from Davy Russell for the coverage of the incident, perhaps there is space for one last word.

The media, in this modern day, has two prongs to its fork. The traditional print and broadcast press stand accountable because they are visible, but then we have the social media, those who can whip up a storm, but remain completely invisible. One inevitably feeds the other.

The Kings Dolly incident came to light in the first instance from a clip posted online. No one in the racing authority, in animal welfare or in the general media noticed it.

In a world of online shares, view and likes, it is naive to think that the traditional news and print journalism will not continue to debate something that caught the attention of so many and caused so strong and so divided opinions. Like or not, social media drives the news agenda in many respects.

Most of us enjoy it, its connection, its debate, but Facebook and Twitter will always reveal an unpleasant element to give vent to their opinions – anonymity allows abuse.

So if you are person in the public eye, be it politician or sportsman, do not expect to find compliments on social media. We see it all the time.

And then if you take the bait and participate in the argument, you can’t really complain if newspapers follow up in the knowledge that this is something that will be read.

It’s almost the opposite side of the coin to the one that goes, how can you comment on how to correct a horse when you’ve never ridden one?

How can you criticise a medium when you are guilty of joining in, of also being the smart guy?

Russell himself took the bait late on Tuesday, replying to a nasty taunt. It’s difficult to ignore but it’s only fanning the flames.

We know horses are unpredictable animals. You only have to look at the clip, from NYRA of Lady Eli in her stable, much loved and adored by the American racing public, but turning properly vicious with a nasty glint in her eye, to snap anything that disturbed her.

Horses, even champions, can be vicious beasts. And so is social media. So beware. If you use it, you embrace its evils as well as its fun.

There was culpability at each stage in this case – the jockey, the authorities, the media all prolonged it beyond what was necessary.

We will happily leave Davy Russell alone and enjoy his skills in the saddle for the rest of the season.