Keeping jockeys quiet after Ayr track shambles is an insult to paying punters

THERE were plenty of positives at Ayr on Saturday – but telling members of the weighing room – jockeys and trainers – not to talk to the media was not one of them. Why the secrecy? What does racing have to hide? Don’t get me wrong here by the way. I don’t totally blame the officials on track. That might surprise you, but they seemed terrified, working in fear of getting something wrong and how those at BHA head quarters would react if they made a bad call. More of that later. There were significant delays at Ayr on Saturday Credit: PA But the media were none the wiser – given no answers Credit: PA As someone trying to extract some sort of information for viewers on course it was all extremely frustrating. I would think on the day at least fifty racegoers asked me what was going on as an inspection was announced on course and a delay revealed to racing. They had no idea. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! That is not acceptable. Everyone should know in detail the issues preventing racing from being given the green light. People had spent a lot of money to be at Ayr. Treat them well. This is just basic hosting of any event when there is a delay. Most people will be very understanding that problems occur. Be open and honest. READ MORE IN HORSE RACING All these questions could have been easily asked and answered by those making decisions. Why is there an inspection? Answer: A patch of ground is worrying us at the half furlong pole. Right, what’s happened? Answer: After a downpour there is water lying on the track. There have been drainage problems on track before. Is this linked? Answer: No. At least as far as we know. Most read in Horse Racing What are the jockeys saying? Answer: Some are unsure if we should race or not. Some want to kick on. What are the trainers saying? Answer: Most want to race but then that is always the case with trainers! They are not the ones riding. What happens next? Answer: We are going to give it a period of time and see if the water seeps into the ground. The track team will use forks to speed up the process. What possible issue could anyone have with the above? All simple and clear. Everyone knows what is going on. Meanwhile, interviews carried out with various jockeys to get their opinion. And on Saturday those would have revealed a number did not want to race. My understanding is the officials were unwilling to co-operate after events at Chester earlier in the season. I can’t back that up though. It’s just how it felt to me. Whatever the case these events are not splitting the atom. It can all be so simple. Just be normal people. Ultimately racing took place and that seemed an excellent decision. The moving of race times to fit the ITV schedule was also outstanding work. Well done all. Racing is a serious business. But there’s no doubt some of those given what could be described as ‘power’ in the game use it as if they have just been put in charge of a serious crime incident or investigation. It’s horses on a field! A classic example came at Newbury earlier this season. A couple of apprentices were in a close finish and a stewards enquiry we going to be called. As they returned I managed to get a quick word with both before they saw the powers that be. A few days later I was informed the BHA was uncomfortable with what I had done. That I might have some sort of influence on the riders and what they said! It was also hinted that I might have delayed the enquiry, which was clearly not the case. What this actually showed was those at BHA don’t have confidence in their stewards. If they did they would just believe those in control at ground level would make the right decisions. All in all, I’d suggest BHA in every sense needs to boost the morale of those trying to do their jobs on course. Have faith in the staff. Believe in them. Then situation’s like Ayr won’t happen again. Comment now