Agree with what you wrote, griff.
“I do question the feelings of the masses in between us the supporters and the other end of the spectrum, the antis.
It is “the masses” who are key. It is they who in effect allow racing to maintain its “social licence”. Racing must do everything to keep them on board. There is no point in even talking to the antis. They will never be appeased.
I did fear the Gold Dancer incident would be very badly received. However, despite some sections of the media doing their best to stir up anti-racing sentiment, the reaction from the public has not been as bad as I initially feared. I think most people recognise it was a tragic accident.
The “Daily Mail” ran stories yesterday about the fatal injury to Get On George and a jockey receiving a 10 day ban in the National. Of course, it didn’t give a damn about the death of Celtic Art at Chepstow. That wouldn’t have attracted enough clicks. And it will still be publishing its Grand National sweepstake kit next year. 