Ireland's racing fortunes have never ridden higher - what a pity so few people are actually watching
Success at home and abroad has failed to halt the sport's decline in the public consciousness
As we approach the year's end and look back at Irish influence on the past 12 months of racing, we see enough highlights to outweigh the inevitable disappointments.
On the jumping front, Willie Mullins has reigned supreme and was suitably honoured at last week's Derby Awards in London with the trainer of the year award. On the Flat, Aidan O'Brien has completed another honour-laden year. However, for all the glory days, I can't help returning to a theme I have visited on several occasions during the year, namely that Irish racing continues to slide in the popularity charts among the general sporting public.
The thought crystallised on Sunday morning as I watched O'Brien's 2024 campaign conclude in Hong Kong and contemplated a card at Cork where Mullins threatened to monopolise the Hilly Way Chase, which he has won every year but two since 2007.
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Published on inAlan Sweetman
Last updated
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