A valuable racing league will truly work only when horses are at the heart of it

Racing is beginning to resemble the ex who knows they shouldn't call. It’s as if the sport can't resist dialling up the familiar idea of 'leagues', even though the conversations always end the same way: hopeful at first, but with no real change the morning after. 

Last week saw the announcement of yet another league, this time a global one, with the stated purpose to engage fans of the sport and grow awareness of racing across a broader audience in the years ahead. It will see 12 of the world’s leading Flat riders compete for points in up to ten events in order to gain a share of a $15 million prize fund.

All money invested in racing is to be welcomed, but I have to wonder who these league formats are actually serving.