What message does it send when Stephen Mahon can still work with racehorses?

For the multitude who rely on horseracing for a living, last week’s findings in relation to Stephen Mahon were a slap in the face.

It is the second time this year that the honest endeavours of a compassionate and conscientious majority have been undermined by a misrepresentative minority. This time, though, there was a tangible welfare issue at play, which was not the case when the image of Gordon Elliott sitting astride the deceased Morgan emerged.

Elliott’s profile, combined with the unadulterated modern-day power of an image that can be disseminated across the world within seconds, provoked a wave of hysteria that rattled the sport to its core. It was a crass, senseless and irresponsible act that betrayed poor judgement, but there was never any evidence that his care of the living animals in his stable was anything less than it should be.