Chumps and champions, confusion and controversy, the best and worst of 2017

In with the new

The year began with the arrival of ITV Racing and the accompanying forensic analysis of how it differed from Channel 4's 32-year efforts on our behalf. The answer seemed to be that it didn't differ all that much, although the new team brought their own charms to bear on the action and everything was very professional and good. Many of us were simply grateful for a continuing terrestrial TV presence that still seems to outweigh racing's place in the sporting pecking order.

Out with the old