Splits and departures a reminder of precarious state of jumps scene

Rarely has the precarious state of the jumps scene in Ireland been as starkly illustrated as it has over the past eight days.

The lopsided nature of the sector and the inherent threat to its stability due to the concentration of power in the hands of so few is an inconvenient truth. We are in the midst of a mild economic recovery nationally, yet the jumping industry is still contracting.

Swathes of skilled, experienced people continue to abandon the sport. While trainers Colm Murphy and Charlie Swan are high-profile departures, the silent scandals are equally damaging and more instructive.