'In ten years' time the rest of the world will be having our lunch as well'

Paul Roy's bemusement from afar, a decade after leaving racing's hot seat, could last no longer.

Instead, Roy, usually taciturn on racing politics, has gone public with a call for action. Clear leadership is what he wants, with actual signs of visible action being taken to address historically low field sizes, lagging prize-money compared to other major racing nations, the exodus of high-rated Flat horses abroad and falling attendances.

It's quite the list of issues for the sport's governing tripartite members to solve, and for Roy totally underscores increasing frustration at the inaction of leadership in British racing.