With all-weather tracks failing to live up to the name is it time for a rebrand?

In times of crisis there always rises opportunity. The freezing temperatures that gripped Britain and Ireland last week caused havoc as jump racing was forced into an unwanted week off at what is normally one of the busiest times of the year.

The seven days between Cork’s Hilly Way Chase card and the belated return of the jumps at Thurles on Sunday was a period in which all-weather racing – not often looked upon all that favourably as a product by the racing public – had the stage to itself.

This was its chance to shine and showcase the smaller-scale owners and trainers who keep the show going 52 weeks of the year, but by the end of it the all-weather came out with its reputation somewhat tarnished.