Shergar Cup reminds us racing is about putting on a show

It is fine to dislike the Shergar Cup, and perfectly understandable if your attitude is one of indifference. There were, however, nearly 30,000 people at the sport's most famous venue on Saturday who will tell you they loved it. Regardless of how much they actually have an interest in racing, we should love it that they loved it.

To have been at Ascot was both invigorating and inspiring. More than anything, it was a reminder – although a reminder should never be needed – that first and foremost racing is not a business nor an industry. It is a form of entertainment. Those who stage the racing and those who take part in the racing are primarily, whether some of them appreciate it or not, charged with providing that entertainment.

Racing, and those who love it, cannot be complacent. We certainly cannot be snotty.