THERE was an article by Julian Muscat in the Racing Post last week, expressing his annnoyance with winning jockeys celebrating or making gestures to the crowd as they passed the post. It was on the back of James Doyle and Colm O’Donoghue’s gestures as they won at Ascot.

The argument centred on that it took away from the winning horse. That the winning photo was sullied for connections by the image of the jockeys, caught in time.

It wouldn’t bother me. When I think of Kauto Star, I see him with Ruby aloft, shouting to the stands, celebrating that second Gold Cup win.

Ruby standing in the stirrups saluting on Kauto Star or on Annie Power hardly diminished those moments for their owners and it certainly meant more to the public in those moments of victory to see the jockey visibly triumphant. Inspiration Sport is built around the emotions of a winning celebration. Those are the photos you want on your front page. Do you want your goalscorer turning away and trotting back to the centre circle? Or Federer walking of court head bowed, after winning? Is that the image to inspire others?

Alpha Centauri wins at Royal Ascot as Colm O'Donoghue points to the crowd Photo Healy Racing.

Jockeys are by and large anonymous so when they do show emotion, it’s a great addition to mark and remember the occasion.

Last Sunday, Harry Skelton was delighted with Virgilio winning the Summer National and the photos are of him clapping the horse on the neck before he had crossed the finish line. It was a joyous event, to be remembered as such.

Clive Brittain wasn’t a fan of celebrations but in these times there’s nothing wrong with it.

There’s no need for anything too disrespectful like Soumillon on Hurricane Run at Ascot. Paul Carberry’s famous come catch me gesture to Best Mate at Leopardstown was a bit cheeky. But let’s be seen to celebrate the victories.

It was great to see Donnacha O’Brien salute in the Guineas and again after passing the post at the Curragh on Latrobe. So keep it going, punch the air, sshh the crowd, show how much it means. It’s not being disrespectful to anyone.