If the first step towards solving a problem is to acknowledge that you have one, then a statement this weekend by Julie Harrington, the British Horseracing Authority’s chief executive, after another dominant Cheltenham Festival for Irish-trained runners, could yet come to be seen as the first step on the long journey back for Britain’s jumping yards.
Last week’s final total of nine wins for British stables was, in some respects, a little better than might have been expected at the start of the meeting, not least with the Nicky Henderson stable apparently in the grip of a virus. But Willie Mullins still managed to equal Britain’s total all by himself, and the 14 Grade One events were split 12-2 in Ireland’s favour, with Dan Skelton responsible for both British victories.
