EOGHAIN Ward’s interesting and well-reasoned feature on the future of confined races argued some problematic issues (The Irish Field February 27th). I, for one, would be sorry to see the demise of confined races and it should be noted that some hunts have a race with far greater local history and kudos than those who run a race confined to a rather larger area of adjacent hunts. While, in theory, it should be easier to draw a good entry from a larger area it is more likely that the one hunt only variety can hold its place on the racecard better.

However, the really contentious issue is the proliferation of four-year-old maidens. Obviously if owners are willing to enter their horses and pay the costs whether they run or not it is an attractive alternative to promoting hunts. This year is a good example where 71 entries were made at three meetings on the first Sunday in February resulting in 23 runners. The following week 25 entries at two meetings saw just seven runners, then seven days later three meetings drew just 11 runners from 32 entries (plus eight out of nine running in the first mares only such race).

LACKING RUNNERS

So while the entries bring in the income the races themselves tend to be lacking in runners. What is more, these contests tend not to be good betting mediums as there is no known form to interest the punter. Which race is to be more attractive to the casual spectator - the four runner four-year-old maiden or the four runner confined race?

I like to see our sport moving with the times, we cannot wallow in nostalgia for “the good old days”. Therefore if it is wanted by owners/trainers and all the powers that be that four-year-old races are to be an important plank in the structure of the modern point-to-point then so be it.

What is then required is a new way to make this more financially rewarding for the sport as a whole. A levy on sales prices has been proposed and this has definite merits though how it could be implemented is not as easy as might be desirable but it is worth serious investigation. If it were found to be workable there would have to be a method of redistribution so that all meeting promoters would benefit.

While this year we are seeing a decrease in runners we are now, hopefully, at the bottom of the trough caused by the recession as the number of four-year-olds coincides with the massive drop in covering figures following the financial collapse. With confidence in the bloodstock industry now rising, we should see more horses looking for opportunities in five years’ time.