ITV presenter Matt Chapman’s Good, Bad and Ugly from this week’s world of horse racing
Don't miss Chappers' latest column as he reflects on some of the big talking points in racing
IT'S BEEN an eventful week in the world of horse racing.
There has been some brilliant action on the track, while several big reputations have taken a hammering. But it's not just on the track where there's been some big talking points.
This might sound like I'm blowing the trumpet for people I work for, but well done to ITV for getting some fascinating words from champion jumps trainer Nicky Henderson over stable staff issues in horse racing.
The conversation, discussed Saturday morning, was a good one on Opening Show, and I can say that as I wasn't anything to do with it!
It's not a surprise staffing is tricky in horse racing, as we all know wages are not the best and hours are demanding. And, in the modern world, many make more money by not working than actually getting on with things.
LATEST IN HORSE RACING
Racing needs to rely heavily on people who simply love horses. That's worth remembering by people who criticise the sport. With the wages on offer for many, you have to love your animals.
Henderson feels staffing is at crisis point, and he may well be right.
That said, I think it's worth reminding people that working in racing can be great fun.
Friends can be made in close close knit communities and of course the bond between human and horse can become something very special.
Also, there are numerous careers as well. Just about every profession can be linked in some way to racing.
What I am saying is that if we all go too hard on 'no-one wants to work in racing' people will think it's not a place to work.
It is. It's fun. And there are great people in the game, none more so than Henderson. So if you want to give it a go, don't be put off.
ESCAPE ROUTE Colin Tizzard could be mob-handed in Gold Cup as Elegant Escape latest likely runner
Horses are not machines, and boy that showed over the weekend by two horses who promised so much but ran absolute stinkers.
Rathhill was shocking for Nicky Henderson in the Tolworth Hurdle.
I presumed he hated the ground, but connections told the stewards he jumped moderately and ran green. He's a horse with huge potential, but needs to bounce back.
Then there was my horse to follow for the jumps season Tornado Flyer, who raced as if he had no interest after two hurdles in a Grade 1 in Ireland. Ruby Walsh could not explain the performance.
On Monday morning both horses could have have been favourites for Cheltenham events in March.
But by Sunday evening both forgotten. Fingers crossed they come back better than ever.
