RCA chief David Armstrong: 'Reducing the fixture list is economic madness'

Never let it be said that David Armstrong enjoyed a gentle introduction to his new role as chief executive of the Racecourse Association.

Within three days of him arriving at his desk in February the equine flu outbreak shut down the sport. Within three weeks boycotts were taking place at a number of tracks.

All that and he was not actually officially due to succeed Stephen Atkin as the head of the trade association for Britain's racecourses until March 11.