THE world is a very different place now to two weeks ago and who knows what will be going on in another two weeks time?
Racing seems irrelevant in many ways, but of course it is not because so many people rely on it to survive. So who or what has made my latest Good, Bad & Ugly column?
GOOD
Let’s stick to racing here. Whether it should have taken place or not, the Cheltenham Festival is done and dusted and the abiding memory for me will be Goshen unseating Jamie Moore at the final hurdle in the Triumph.
That moment epitomised everything in sport. It had the sight of a brilliant horse and jockey in perfect harmony, showing the world that together they could be something super special.
And then it had the disaster that can happen in sport. Defeat snatched from the jaws of victory. Joy turning to misery.
How people react in these circumstances shows their true self. Moore was in bits. But then within 48 hours he took to Twitter to show what a fine guy he is.
And he wrote: “Thank you to all the messages about Goshen yesterday, who was running like something not normal.
“From the bottom of my heart I’m genuinely so sorry to everyone I let down I really am, it’s been so tough to take but it’s happened, I hope he gets to show how special he is. Thanks”
I have known Jamie since he started riding. Not only is the family he has come from proper stock, but the family he has created is one of beauty.
He has known his wife – excellent for pony experiences by the way if you have kids – since a very very young age. Basically he’s one of life’s good eggs and always will be.
BAD
Coronavirus is affecting us all.
It’s bad news in every sense, and none of know the extent of its damage on racing and the racing industry.
At all levels from the top to the bottom it will damage are lives, and living of course is key.
Racing is also a close community. This is the time we must all come together and help each other. It’s not a war zone, but in many ways it is. Because we are at war against Corona.
There are many people in racing on the breadline. Help anyone you can.
UGLY
Racing behind closed doors is going to be a pretty ugly experience and not a lot of fun. But if it keeps the show on the road then so be it.
People will be more money conscious than ever, and I imagine betting turnover will drop to virtually nothing. But for the time being embrace what we have.
And for us on TV we will do our best to put a smile on your face and keep you entertained.
It actually gives broadcasters a chance to try different shows and different ways of presenting the sport. I’ve got loads of ideas and will see what works… be safe everyone.
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