IT didn’t take long for Ruby Walsh’s argument that there were plenty of opportunities for horses to move from the point-to-points to the racetrack to be knocked on the head.

And you then have to factor in all the opportunities missed through all the meetings lost to the weather over the last two weeks.

Clonmel’s abandoned Thursday meeting had 80 horses entered in a mares’ maiden and 114 in a two-mile maiden hurdle. Navan’s two-mile maiden tomorrow had 119 entries!

Then you had Willie Mullins in his Racing TV interview, after he had won the two maiden hurdles at Punchestown last Sunday, remarking that “The programme is very odd at the moment and needs to be tidied up. At this time of year it could be improved, more opportunities for horses, some races for horses could be put on later in the season. We’re all trying to prepare for the big spring festivals.”

It’s fair to say that many of those seeking runs this week were not looking forward to the spring festivals.

What suits Willie’s needs is not also going to suit a point-to-point yard with €100,000 invested in young stock who have a ‘for sale’ tag on them.

HRI has generally always added where they could to provide further opportunities when asked but trying to please everyone in this situation looks a pretty arduous task.