What followed the withdrawal of Altior was a broader discussion about how the National Hunt season is becoming more and more geared towards the Cheltenham Festival.

Altior has not had a race for ten months and we just don’t know what the horse is capable of now, writes Gavin Beech.

If racing is going to appeal to the next generation of punters then building the profile of alternative markets is going to be a key part of that process.

There are matters that need addressing urgently and bringing forward race times at this time of the year is an obvious starting point.

There is a mountain of evidence that suggests horses racing on Lasix are at a significant advantage to those that aren’t, despite widespread claims that the medication is not ‘performance enhancing’.

This is a race that can throw up a big price winner and this year’s renewal looks wide open, writes Gavin Beech.

Nicholls is a master of his profession and if he sends Cyrname to Ascot on Saturday he is basically telling us all that weights and measures aren't the be all and end all that so many punters believe them to be.

The markets predict a series of short price favourites dominating the big races on Champions Day but it might not pan out that way

‘Dettori allowed inferior rivals to dictate how the Arc was run, and I for one never expected to see that’, writes Gavin Beech.

Enable’s price is far too short now Love is out of the picture, especially as conditions are going to blunt her speed, writes Gavin Beech.

No crowds won’t deter from an eagerly-anticipated Saturday at Newmarket's Cambridgeshire meeting.

There are countless examples of the shoddy way this sport is governed – a lot more questions about controversial rides and performances are badly needed, writes Gavin Beech.