Seismic fracture over National Hunt Chase just serves to pour fuel on the fire

Conflict of interest; a phrase that has never gained purchase within racing was raised repeatedly by several MPs in last year’s House of Commons debate on whether the BHA should be responsible for horse welfare, or whether an 'independent' body should divest the BHA of that function.

Views expressed in that debate are what prompted the BHA to raise the welfare stakes, which provoked uproar when the Cheltenham stewards issued suspensions totalling 37 days to three jockeys after last week’s National Hunt Chase.

Some MPs argued that an authority whose remit is to grow and promote the sport was at odds with safeguarding equine welfare. It amounted to a conflict of interest. Others disagreed, maintaining a sound welfare policy was central to racing retaining its popularity.