Spreading the word on horse welfare has never been so vital

It was hard to see any positives during one of the most turbulent weeks racing has endured but the sport can recover from the Gordon Elliott saga by getting back on the front foot in conveying its welfare standards.

Amid a tidal wave of horrific publicity that spread far beyond racing's normal circle – I cannot be the only one whose non-racing friends asked about the picture – many people in the sport were compelled to do their bit by showcasing the exemplary care racehorses receive.

Thus, the #fortheloveofthehorse campaign was born, with members of the racing community coming out in force on social media in an attempt to dissipate the dark cloud hanging over the sport.