Calling all camera directors: save close-ups and drone footage for the replay

A feature of this year's top races has been close-up shots of the protagonists just as the contest reaches its crescendo and I've been surprised to find many people I speak to being in favour of these quirky new camera angles.

There is a certain irony I'm complaining about this when, for years, sections of the media have called on racing to freshen up its coverage in an effort to move with the times and match other sports, but close-ups and drone shots should have no place in the live output from the track.

Cast your mind back to this year's Drinmore Novice Chase. The abiding memory from that race was the ease in which Envoi Allen quickened away from Assemble between the final two fences, and the close-up shots captured the moment beautifully.