Ruby Walsh: It beggar’s belief the BHA have made the same mistake twice

Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but I can’t recall the tennis, golf or rugby authorities making changes to their rules because of the views of casual viewers

ADONIS: British eyes will be focused on whether they can pull a rabbit out of the hat for the Triumph Hurdle. Maybe Rare Middleton (seen here winning the Gables Foxrock Cup in October) will be just that. Pic: Healy Racing

In 18 days, every eye with the slightest interest in horse racing will be trained on Prestbury Park as the Cheltenham Festival swings into gear. Those who love it will be looking to be thrilled, those who hate it will be watching for anything they can use to beat it, and those with just a passing interest will enjoy it and move on.

That’s the nature of all major sporting events, and when any sport finds itself in the spotlight or becomes the biggest show in town, it attracts comment and scrutiny from all quarters. Tennis experts appear in June, on Golf when the Majors roll out, and in rugby during the Six Nations.