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Many of the representative bodies associated with Irish racing tend to be conservative in outlook. For example, the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association has displayed a determinedly reactionary attitude in resisting progressive moves to reform the Turf Club's drug-testing regime in line with the recommendations of the Anti-Doping Task Force.

So it was not at all surprising to hear that many senior figures on the Irish scene have struck a cautious note following the British Horseracing Authority's decision to introduce mandatory declaration in respect of horses returning to action after a breathing operation involving any one of five designated procedures.

Proposals to introduce an analogous requirement for in-foal mares continuing in action on the racecourse have also been greeted with a degree of scepticism.