THE end of April marks a watershed in the history of racing and the British Broadcasting Corporation. For the first time, the venerable BBC will not have a racing correspondent, having taken the decision to remove the role and, with it, the services of a man who could rightfully be called a ‘voice of racing’.

I say rightfully because Cornelius Lysaght has a most distinctive voice, one whose tones are perfect for racing which is both a sport and a business. While Irish racegoers may be less familiar with him than our near neighbours, Lysaght has Irish roots, and an obvious love of Ireland and some of our best horses and people.