Racehorses give us so much - our sport must ensure it repays the debt

As the clock ticked down to the broadcast of Panorama on Monday, racing was awash with rumours that far worse accusations had been raised by the programme makers, including inflammatory allegations that the euthanasia of racehorses might have somehow coincided with a downturn in their form.

That those lines of inquiry were dropped from the show, and that despite naming the show The Dark Side of Horse Racing the worst charges were actually directed at the Drury & Sons abattoir, illustrate at least that the sport is not even remotely as callous as its most vociferous detractors imagine.

In fact, as many trainers and owners demonstrated on social media on Tuesday and Monday, countless thousands of racehorses go on to have fulfilling and contented retirements as riding horses, hunters, in dressage, or just in fields where they can be doted on by old friends. Racing has much to be proud of in this respect.