LETTER OF THE WEEK

Sir — With regard to Stuart Hollings’ opinion (17 August), I feel there are other factors to be considered as far as unfilled championship and supreme classes are concerned. It’s not just about the potential lost earnings. For me personally, it’s a question of good manners.

Spare a thought for those who might not win a qualifying class but miss the chance to go through to a championship if a rider doesn’t come forward. What about the judges who have taken time and effort to award places in the qualifying classes? I’m sure many relish the chance to view the crème de la crème, having waited around until the end of the day.

What about the public who have paid to watch? And the sponsors who have donated cups and prize money? How rude to think it doesn’t matter if you don’t come forward.

If you feel your horse is going to be too tired or you have to leave early, then don’t enter in the first place. But if there’s a genuine reason why he can’t be taken forward, make it known early on.

If you enter a class with a championship at the end of the day, then get on and get in the ring. You owe it to all involved. Sioux Mingaye East Tisted, Hants The writer of letter of the week wins a bottle of Champagne Taittinger

like a five-hour masterclass.

His explanations of the rules, regulations, course-design, as well as the information about riders and horses, was second to none.

Paired with Adam Cromarty, who asked questions that an amateur may want answered, it