IT would appear that I have a fault, at least in the eyes of some. Okay, I have many, but the one I am alluding to on this occasion is my tendency to see the good in any situation, and to focus on the positives rather than the negatives.

This was not always my wont, as people closest to me will testify, but age and experience has taught me to see matters in a different light. Keeping a more positive attitude means spending as little time as possible on some social media sites, where kneejerk, negative reactions to everything is seen as a badge of honour.

Don’t get me wrong. I have respect for those who offer criticism, but not for people whose first instinct is to comment without due consideration. I certainly do not believe that everything in the garden, when it comes to racing, breeding or other equine pursuits, is rosy. I have long ago discarded the rose-tinted spectacles.

I do like to accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative and latch on to the affirmative. If we all did this we would achieve more. If you read many of the Twitterati you would probably believe that our sport is unhealthy, lacking in many ways, and this image is not going to win new fans.

At heart, we have a sound industry and sport, which can always be improved, but the good news stories are often overlooked. Nothing is perfect, but initiatives that seek to better what we have must be welcomed, given a chance, and discarded only if they do not work.

On this front, I believe that we have to give a focus to doing more for people involved at the lower end of the racing scale.

On the flip side, the front page news this week of a race that could eventually develop into a 30-runner contest at the Curragh, with €1 million on offer, is a great positive. It is not for everyone, but that doesn’t lessen its importance and potential. I welcome it and wish all concerned the very best.

I also take my hat off to Ballinrobe racecourse and its manager John Flannelly who, together with a vibrant committee, has yet again managed to get every race on its 2022 programme sponsored. This is an annual occurrence now and an example of what can be achieved. To all those sponsors I offer thanks on behalf of owners, trainers, jockeys and staff, and want you to know that you are appreciated.