Welfare attacks inevitable if trainer with abhorrent past takes part in the Cup

In Paris last Monday there was much talk about equine welfare and the public perception of racing. Eight days earlier, around 160 miles north of the French capital, less emphasis appeared to be placed on both.

Former British sports minister Tracey Crouch spoke via video at the 53rd International Conference of Horseracing Authorities and stressed racing's right to exist depends on maintaining a "social licence" that could easily be revoked. "This is a turning point for the industry," she said, arguing racing had to "embrace the welfare agenda" in order to prevent its own decline.

Crouch's comments were supported by BHA chief executive Nick Rust, while the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities agreed equine welfare must become its main priority, a proclamation that rather stated what should have been obvious. Equally obvious but accurate was a comment made by France Galop chief vet, Dr Paul-Marie Gadot, who said: "The activists will ask for more because their primary objection is that we simply use animals."