'It's a make-or-break year' - big changes as the Racing League rides again

In one way or another, the Racing League fuelled passionate feelings during its debut season last year. On Thursday it is back, and it is promising to be better than ever.

It will need to be. The delayed first edition of the competition drew sharp criticism and derision from many quarters for foisting an alien team concept on to the sport, while others railed at the exclusivity of those allowed to compete, or objected to the commercial backers of the event which replaced owners’ silks with team colours and names, such as Team BullionVault.

Viewing figures on Sky Sports Racing were modest, as were on-course attendances, while betting turnover was unspectacular – albeit better than your usual Thursday night returns. Many of the star names signed up to participate, such as Frankie Dettori, Hollie Doyle and Oisin Murphy, either rode at just one of the six fixtures or did not turn up at all.