One has to marvel at the hunts that undertake to run a point-to-point. They are to be admired for the professional manner in which they are run, under the watchful eye of the Turf Club. I imagine it takes at least 20 volunteers to run a meeting, who give of their time and experience at no cost.

It has been suggested that Horse Racing Ireland should replace the Turf Club as the overseers of point-to-points. I am in the status quo camp. Why change what’s working exceptionally well?

The politics of the horse and greyhound racing industries are very complex. From my experience of both worlds I find it frustrating that decisions made on one level are often very hard to get over the line in another.

Although the figures say otherwise, I still have great faith in the future of the greyhound industry. We have a new CEO (Geraldine Larkin) and it behoves all interested parties to stand four-square behind her in her efforts to turn the industry around. I work Saturday nights at Shelbourne Park and it still exudes plenty of atmosphere and craic every weekend.

Having been involved with greyhounds as an owner and trainer for many years I understand the dream that everyone connected to a horse has when they load up their horse to head for the point-to-point. Unfortunately the large majority of us will come home disappointed but it doesn’t stop us trying again. Maybe it’s the thrill of watching their homebred racing against one bought for a €100,000 at Tattersalls with the belief that someday you will overturn the odds.

Recent store horse sale results suggest that we are emerging from a recession. Store horses are the backbone of the industry and they seem to be selling for decent prices. Confidence appears to be coming back to the market.

The new coursing season has just started and plenty of dreaming takes place in that sport as well, as owners and trainers seek a Derby or Oaks success in Clonmel next February. Like racing, coursing has also had its drug problems but hopefully they are in the past.

We have had a tremendous summer of sport and two of the stars have been the Derby winners Australia (equine) and Laughil Blake (canine). On the human sporting fields we have had a thrilling World Cup but nothing to touch the fare that has been served up to us by our GAA players. I had the pleasure of attending Croke Park five times and witnessed at first-hand amateurs playing their hearts out for their county. They deserve the same praise as our amateur riders.

So, we’re all set for a new season. All we need now is the rain for the horses. See you at the races.