IT might not be the wisest way to form your opinions on Irish society through the debates on the Joe Duffy Liveline radio show but the ‘working from home’ trend has probably given the talk show an even bigger listenership.

It was therefore a bit alarming to listen to the debate aired last Monday week which arose from the Examiner story that two teachers had been paid to promote the HRI primary school incentive to familarise children on racing and horses.

HRI’s Road To Racing initiative – with educational videos and worksheets - seemed a good way to connect young people with an outdoor sport and industry where there are many career options.

However, the radio debate continually swerved away from the main issue to become a wider attack on racing, the general opinions being that racing needs gambling to survive – that it was the main purpose for racing’s existence. Gambling is bad for society therefore racing is bad.

It was all quite worrying that so many people had this opinion in the light of the proposed new legislation and possible bans on gambling adverts during daylight hours, which may lead to the racing channels not broadcasting in Ireland.

Some of the statements were way off the mark. “The racing industry is basically supported, sponsored, only exists because we have gambling,” was the base argument.

One contributor stated that Google says “One in four problem gamblers in Ireland are children.” Another contributor complained they had “a problem with horse racing being a called a sport.” Another said young children were being “groomed for gambling.”

They had obviously never heard of the Dublin Horse Show and its contribution to rural Ireland and the enjoyment that young people get out of ponies and horses, nor that side of the equine industry. Indeed, this paper has been in existence for over 150 years without a significant need of bookmaker support.

It seems hard to convince those people that there is an element of doing it all for the love of the horse, and all the related activities, and that you can enjoy it without gambling. The negativity is worrying, though having gambling adverts gone from the mainstream TV channels in the evening would be beneficial.

If you were looking for a simple antidote to all this twisted negativity, step forward Wesley Joyce. His back story and his dedication and delight at simply getting back in the saddle was a tonic to anyone. This is our sport and all that is great about it.