Ruby Walsh: Let’s have some flexibility with the racing programme

In this strange year, racing is facing the might of the GAA championship at the wrong time of the year

Longclaw and Keith Donoghue avoid the drama at the second last flight to win the Ladbrokes 3YO Hurdle at Down Royal yesterday.  Picture: Healy Racing

A blank Sunday, like tomorrow, on the Irish racing calendar is a bit of a rarity but I suppose when your sport is viewed as an entertainment product then it probably should be on when people want to be entertained — hence the popularity of all sport on the weekend days.

That said, in the current climate the ability to move and alter your programme to suit your audience’s tastes is also required, but likewise is the ability to foresee what else is on and what your product will be clashing with or where the opportunity’s might arise to avail of an opening to take centre stage.