Racing TV has a hard to act to follow but deserves all our good wishes

With the rebranded Racing TV operation only a few weeks away from making its debut, it is too late for "whining", as Michael O'Leary put it at the weekend when commenting on the new regime.

O'Leary was one of several influential figures who expressed major reservations when the news of the break with At The Races was announced earlier this year. His concerns were widely shared by racing professionals and members of the viewing public.

There is no point in prejudging the ability of the new team to sustain the high standards and extensive coverage provided by ATR. Any fair-minded person will wish them well, and no one should want them to fail, since Irish racing will pay a high price if that transpires.