Robbie Wilders: short-term view in breeding racehorses becoming a massive worry

With freshman sires who never raced beyond their two-year-old seasons being lauded for early winners and connections of a Derby favourite concerned about what winning the race might mean for his future breeding prospects, it's been a worrying week if you're a fan of middle-distance and staying horses.

Mehmas and Prince Of Lir quickly got off the mark as sires after the resumption of racing, which was hardly surprising given they were speedy, hardy two-year-olds themselves before quickly being packed off to stud, in line with the ever-increasing need for speed and the diminishing popularity of stamina in the modern racehorse breed.

But their popularity doesn't sit well with me, considering the questions over the longevity of their progeny and the damage to the sport caused by top horses retiring so early.