Paul Haigh on racing - 'We're still paying for the mistakes of our forefathers'

Paul Haigh, who has died aged 76, wrote for the Racing Post from its launch in April 1986 until 2009 and was known for his acerbic wit and campaigning style. Here he is on some of his favourite subjects . . .

British racing’s resistance to change

As the Americans say: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." In Britain it seems, though, we are not content with treasuring this little nugget of crackerbarrel wisdom. Oh no. What we've done is develop the philosophy. In Britain we say: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it. But if it is broke, don't fix it either. Just pretend everything's fine, and maybe it'll heal.”