'It's competitive - but I'm not sure what it does for customers and punters'

The second year of the £2 million Racing League reached its climax at Newcastle last week. It was a wet and dreary night, yet nothing could dampen the spirits of Jamie and Saffie Osborne

The points-based team competition may have continued to divide opinion, but few could begrudge Saffie Osborne her moment in the spotlight after her sensational 6,539-1 hat-trick landed her the leading rider accolade, making the most of the unfortunate Sean Levey's absence on the final evening, and Wales and the West, managed by father Jamie, the top team honours. After weeks of trash talk and banter, Jamie Osborne, a good friend of Racing League founder Jeremy Wray, had delighted virtually everyone by silencing London and the South's manager Matt Chapman.

On a night with a sombre undertone following the death of the Queen, there was a genuine buzz of excitement around the paddock as the respectful celebrations took place.