THE amazing thing about bad times is good news becomes even more important.
So who or what has made my latest Good, Bad & Ugly column?
GOOD
First of all take a bow Tom Marquand, who banged in his first Group 1 winner when Addeybb landed the Ranvet Stakes in Australia at the weekend. It was also a very clever bit of placing by William Haggas.
Marquand brings a real feel-good feeling to British racing, and he is a super talented rider.
His career is on a massive rise, and it's not hard to see him giving Oisin Murphy a real battle for the jockeys' championship should the Flat season ever take place.
It's a huge shame that a career like Marquand's is being hindered back home by the current coronavirus nightmares. Well done son.
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BAD
Former BHA chairman Peter Savill – a highly intelligent individual – made some very good points the other day as he publicly criticised the BHA for sidelining racing as Britain deals with the current Covid-19 pandemic.
However, his suggestion that if racing was taking place then "betting turnover would have exploded" could only come from someone super rich.
Those of us in racing who advise people to have a punt from time to time have to be super responsible at the moment. Hopefully many can have a little bet for fun. But we know some can get carried away, and this is not a time for people to spend money they might not have.
Most normal people will be under huge financial pressure in the months ahead, and punting irresponsibly is not the way to make times easier. Bet carefully people.
UGLY
The BHA needs to up its game quick on helping people in racing. Countless articles telling us the BHA is in talks and having meetings are already getting tiresome. Things will get ugly quickly.
Basically, the BHA needs to publish telephone numbers so anyone in desperate need can call this week. Racing Welfare and the like need to be publicised to a much greater extent.
That means helping everyone. From stable staff to a trainer to a stalls handler to a journalist to a gate man/lady to a jockey to a vet or ground staff member.
Each group should have a number they can call and the BHA should tell individuals exactly how they can help them.
As of yet I have seen nothing that tells people how the BHA is going to help anyone. Up your game.
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