Don't judge French weight allowance based on whether Turner needs it

Hayley Turner's decision to head to France to take advantage of the country's weight allowance for female riders gave us the perfect opportunity to think again about a measure that caught everyone by surprise when it was announced in February. Unfortunately, it seems we have already collectively made up our minds on the subject.

The idea drew plenty of criticism earlier this year, notably from Turner herself, as well as Josephine Gordon. In their view, women do not need this sort of help to compete with their male counterparts.

Plenty more commentators also lined up in the days that followed France Galop president Edouard de Rothschild's announcement to echo that view, arguing that if a woman is good enough, she has the same opportunity to succeed in Britain that any man enjoys.