THOUGH there may not be any action on the ground during the summer months, there are always things taking place which affect our sport, either directly or indirectly. One announcement on the future of racing at the Cheltenham Festival in the coming years was of major relevance.

Firstly, the decision to reduce the distance of the National Hunt Chase from four miles by two furlongs on the grounds of animal welfare was somewhat strange but not really unexpected. Ever since the race was opened to horses that have previously won over hurdles and made into a regular novice chase, there have always been welfare questions which have become more pronounced over recent runnings.