Don’t lose the Irish ‘craic’ when it comes to horse racing days
Dear Sir,
I wonder what has Irish racing come to.
There was a time when friendly banter and a ‘ bit of craic’ was acceptable, but it seems no more.
I attended a prestigious horse racing festival in the recent past and as ever, my passion for racing was very evident.
Going to a race meeting should be a mix of everything, noise, excitement, fun. Win or lose it should be taken in the spirit of the sport.
At one stage, as the jockeys were coming in, I had the banter with them on their performance and got a few smiles.
But then, I was removed from the area and taken to a gate and told I wasn’t wanted.
I didn’t abuse anyone or fight or whatever.
I feel I had to write to the Drogheda Independent just to say that those in authority in horse racing need to lighten up when it comes to those who travel everywhere to back their sport.
We have the craic and the fun without intimidating anyone, without causing trouble.
Do they want us all to sit nice and quiet in the corner, spend money, and then go home.
That’s not the sport of kings - it has become the spoilsport sport. Yours, Paul Hughes, Drogheda.