Ruby Walsh: Two countries — two very different ways of doing business

We have been two nations divided for many years but when it comes to horse racing, we have always needed each other

A general view of the runners and riders in action as they compete in the McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle during day four of the Cheltenham Festival. It was a meeting dominated by the Irish. Ruby Walsh examines the difference in approach taken by the British - and how they can close the gap. Picture: Alan Crowhurst

One week on from the domination of the Irish-based and, let’s be honest, Irish-born people at the Cheltenham Festival, the debate or inquest into how the British performed so poorly still lingers on.

All sorts of theories and reasons have been put forward but there is no simple answer or fix as the tide has turned and the wind been blowing in a westerly direction across the Irish Sea for a quite a while.