More mares' races not fewer the way forward for Cheltenham

In the aftermath of a Cheltenham Festival the talk is often of what should be done differently.

The mares' races are not universally popular and the mares' novice hurdle has definitely not been receiving much love from colleagues and other commentators in recent days. However, their disdain for the race is misplaced. In fact, the next step should be the introduction of a mares' chase.

There has been lots of talk this jumps season about small fields for major races and the lack of stars on show, while field sizes continue to be a source of concern and the subject of much attention.