Lloyd Webbers continue to reap rewards while dreams of others wither on the vine

Racing isn’t adept at looking after owners. Around one in six quit the sport within the first two years, which represents a particularly high churn, and while cost is invariably a factor, there are a myriad other reasons.

Nevertheless, those who follow the game closely will have noticed owners entering with a big splash before exiting quietly soon afterwards. It makes an unedifying sight. With better advice and a more measured approach, they might have reaped the rewards they sought all along.

Racing should do more to establish why dreams and reality become such an unsustainable equation. A key factor is the initial experience, which is often influenced by nothing more than good fortune. Beyond that, however, it takes great skill to parlay beginner’s luck into a pursuit that remains exhilarating – and just occasionally, financially rewarding.