Ruby Walsh reaffirmed his opposition to the new whip rules today after making a winning return to British race-riding at Wetherby.

Rachel Hood, the new president of the Racehorse Owners' Association, has called for a drastic overhaul of the fixture list and the creation of three tiers for the sport.

David Thorpe, the chairman of the Racecourse Association in the UK, believes sponsorship for this year could be down 40% as the recession filters through and impacts on the racing industry.