Handicap results provide plenty of food for thought

It has been a notable week for several Irish-trained handicappers. Willie Mullins saddled Total Recall to a thrilling victory in the Ladbrokes Trophy at Newbury on Saturday and at Fairyhouse the following day last season's Pertemps Final winner Presenting Percy trounced his rivals in his first handicap chase and Davids Charm won a €100,000 handicap hurdle for veteran Cork trainer John Joe Walsh. These were terrific performances in their different ways.

It always grates when I hear a horse described as "only a handicapper", as if racing should be all about the small minority of runners who make it to the top table of Group or Graded races.

Handicappers make up the bulk of the horse population. Although the Irish racing programme could be made more interesting, varied and equitable by the provision of additional conditions-type races within specific rating bands, handicaps are a staple of the sport.