Sir,

Field size matters except when it comes to the Irish Derby.

Over the last 10 years the French Derby has averaged 15.2 runners per race, the Irish Derby 9.8. 43.8% of those were supplied by Ballydoyle.

I continue to believe that the Irish racing would be well served by reducing the distance of the Irish Derby to 10 furlongs.

For the record, I think the Saturday/Sunday format this year was the right way to go. - Yours etc.,

Patrick Cooper, Kildare

Sir,

In regard to the recent high-profile jockey’s appearance in court on drink driving charges and what appears to be the industry’s overwhelming support for the guilty party, I would suggest more people should think of what may have been. A visit to any national rehabilitation facility shows the utter devastation that is caused due to ‘errors of judgement’. Yours etc.,

Dervla Adams