Letters to the editor

Irish Derby numbers still a concern

Sir,

Field size matters except when it comes to the Irish Derby.

Over the last 10 years the French Derby has averaged 15.2 runners per race, the Irish Derby 9.8. 43.8% of those were supplied by Ballydoyle.

I continue to believe that the Irish racing would be well served by reducing the distance of the Irish Derby to 10 furlongs.

For the record, I think the Saturday/Sunday format this year was the right way to go. - Yours etc.,

Patrick Cooper, Kildare

What might have been

Sir,

In regard to the recent high-profile jockey’s appearance in court on drink driving charges and what appears to be the industry’s overwhelming support for the guilty party, I would suggest more people should think of what may have been. A visit to any national rehabilitation facility shows the utter devastation that is caused due to ‘errors of judgement’. Yours etc.,

Dervla Adams