British prize-money is shocking - but it's not why we're failing so badly

The Irish dominance of jump racing has become too obvious to ignore. It is widely accepted in Britain that this is not a problem that arrived on the boat in March with its roots going back a decade or more.

That considered, the response has not been as sober as might have been hoped. For some there is seemingly no problem that cannot be solved by increased prize-money, a fantasy Pattern or lower handicap marks all round. On top of those come the inevitable calls for that most noble of all British sporting traditions: graft for graft's sake.

No, no, no, no. Or rather: most likely not; maybe on the side; yeah, but not like that; and well, I suppose it can't hurt if it makes you feel better.