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There have been some real head-scratching decisions made by racing authorities of late.
The BHA stewards' decision to deem Benvenuto Cellini a non-runner after finishing tenth in the Epsom Derby trumps them all, though no doubt, there will still be one or two at their headquarters in Holborn Gate trying to convince themselves that the colt's victory in the Irish Classic on Sunday vindicates them.
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I'm from Moneygall on the Offaly/Tipperary border. My association with horses started with my father. We always had National Hunt mares and foals around the place as kids. Dad was always breaking horses, getting a mare covered or getting foals ready for sales. When we were old enough to look after our own, we got a pony. There was always a horse in the place. I was pretty much born to the game. I always wanted to be a jockey, but I never thought about it, I just went with the flow. I started off with Charlie Swan when he was just down the road from us. The I took it a bit more seriously and I ended up going to Race (Racing Academy and Centre of Education) in Kildare and that's where it all really started. When I finished in Race, I served my apprenticeship with Paul Deegan. I rode my first winner on Srucahan in Cork in October 2012 for Paul. It was good although I probably didn't have a clue what was going on at the time! I think Paul told me not to get there too soon, and I was in front two furlongs from the winning post! I was 17, nearly 18, and old enough when I started race riding. A lot of the lads that were around me in the apprentice school were 16 when they came out of it. I'm nearly sure Pat Malone weighed me out for that first winner and then he weighed me out for Saunton Surf who I rode my claim out on in Downpatrick last week. By the looks of it, only for Pat I wouldn't be doing any of it!
Benvenuto Cellini silences doubters
Emma Nagle, Johnny Ward and Paddy Flood discuss all the fallout from the Irish Derby Festival.
By Gary Carson - LADY KELLY (4) ran really well on her second handicap outing at Down Royal 12 days ago and can open her account now. The Sioux Nation filly made the running then and was collared late on over seven furlongs. She showed plenty of pace that day and dropping to six could prove the key. I’m Spartacus was a cosy winner on his penultimate run here but didn’t help himself by hanging on his last visit. He looks capable of a big run again if keeping straight. Monastere was a big price when runner-up here 19 days ago and if he can repeat that performance he’s another to consider.