Drink, drugs and fighting the biggest turn-off for racing's fan base

There is perhaps nothing so inspirational as an Olympic Games.

When you see so many men walking around Goodwood without socks on, you can become a bit negative about our youth. The countless examples of heroic achievement we keep witnessing in Tokyo provide a welcome counterbalance to all those horribly bare ankles.

I have become a little emotional more than once in recent days. To see anyone fulfil years of ambition is a wonderful thing, particularly when the road to glory has been long, demanding and filled with near-misses. Just ask Tom Daley or the organisers of the William Hill Racing League.