While the focus of our attention here is principally on the Irish Grand National meeting at Fairyhouse, classic trials and the build up to Punchestown, there has been much happening around the world that impacts on the global thoroughbred business.

This week in Australia the Full Federal Court of that country unanimously dismissed an appeal against a judgement made in December 2012 that the rules relating to natural breeding of thoroughbreds, and therefore the rules of racing as they are, are valid and enforceable. Any other judgment would have sent shocks throughout the thoroughbred business, as it would have been seen as an opening for the introduction of artificial insemination not only in Australia, but potentially around the world.