From crazy horses to rocking horses

Dear Sir,

It is reported that some two thousand years ago a holy man was nailed to the cross at the behest of a howling mob. Last week in our own native land, a similar crucifixion of an inherently decent man took place in a fog of hysteria, before any sort of proper trial could be arranged, and regrettably, the pathetic Irish racing industry shot itself in both feet in a pressurised act of total panic.

I refer of course to the now infamously damaging but utterly redundant image of trainer Gordon Elliott posted on social media, an incident in time but devoid of the bigger picture. To suggest that the imperfect, but thoroughly enjoyable sport of horse racing is compromised by jealousy and spite, would be a gross understatement.

As soon as the British Horseracing Authority, a pompous entity well versed in the act of the own goal entered the arena, the die was cast and the outcome largely predictable. Seizing the opportunity, the British racing press, for whom I hold little admiration, jumped on their rocking horses and took aim with their usual brand of horror and indignation without first removing the plank from their own eye. The real damage to British racing, just like their Brexit, is a self-inflicted wound sustained and self-aggravated by a total indifference to common sense.

Due process has now taken place, severe sanction levied, penalty applied and punishment humbly accepted. It is clear to me that Mr Elliott totally understands and regrets the implication of his actions and any offence caused to the wider public. That said, he is a sinner like every single one of us, capable of redemption and open to correction. Furthermore, the empathy and support bestowed on him during these awfully stressful days has been heart-warming.

As the furore calms down and clear thinking returns, but before the British racing elite regresses into their

next tailspin, perhaps they could point their rose-tinted spectacles towards Dubai and impress upon his Royal Highness the grave concerns of the wider racing family for the safety and well-being of his two daughters, because without doubt, this dilemma will almost certainly prove more damaging to racing interests on these shores than the sight of a highly regarded racehorse trainer snapped aboard a fallen animal in an unguarded, but suspiciously sinister moment.

And isn’t it a sad commentary on our liberal society that somebody who is deemed to have disrespected a dead horse resulting in personal ridicule, reputational damage and financial consequences, can be adjudged a more grievous offender than someone who wilfully takes the life of an innocent unborn child without even a hint of disquiet.

Such are the scales of justice in a confused world we all seek to understand.

Yours sincerely,

John Burke, Curraghagalla,

Co Cork.