Ruby Walsh: Why is racing perennially shocked by small fields at elite level?

Whatever critics think about the imbalance of the National Hunt season, it's not a new thing

ONE OF FIVE: Galvin looks primed to deliver in the Ladbrokes Champion Chase at Down Royal, a race in which he will face just four rivals. Picture: Healy Racing

I get it that everybody has a different view on the shape of life, their sports opinion, and thoughts on what is right or wrong with society. Most people have a take on every subject, but how many of us back that opinion up with facts rather than just the side of a debate we feel most strongly about?

I am not heading off into politics here or going to give an opinion on a war I have no experience of. Instead, I will question those who constantly lament small field sizes at the elite level of horse racing at this time of year.