Time to say thanks and be positive as racing brings live sport back to our homes

Reader, I was wrong. There is a fair chance you were wrong, too. It was good to be wrong.

On the announcement of plans to dig up Newcastle's Flat track and install an all-weather circuit, this column was strong in its criticism of Arena Racing Company. The words of rebuke were repeated when the proposal was approved by the BHA and again when the first Tapeta fixture was staged in May 2016. The decision to destroy an excellent turf course depressed me and it depressed others.

Both the National Trainers Federation and Racehorse Owners Association were firmly against the move. Some leading Flat trainers described the decision as "a disaster", "an act of vandalism" and "a travesty". They were upset and it was easy to see why, for many of us shared that anger, but owners and trainers quickly embraced the new-look Newcastle, which has enjoyed many milestone moments since that first all-weather card. Another one comes along at 1pm on Monday.