Nick Pulford: owners' wonderful commitment shown by tolerance in tough times

Given how smoothly the return to racing in Britain has gone over the last four weeks, it is remarkable to think back to the ire that was heaped on the BHA, and chief executive Nick Rust in particular, from those who thought the resumption should have happened sooner.

Racehorse owners have had to wait for their return to the racecourse as the sport began behind closed doors, but there has never been a similar level of criticism from within their ranks.

Speaking to a variety of owners in recent days, there was an evident sense of missing out on the pleasure of stable visits and racecourse trips but with a general acceptance that the bigger picture is more important. There is also widespread praise for the way the resumption has been handled.