Positive outcome as swift action from Cheltenham allays owners' fears

The inclusion of horses representing the third-most successful owners in Britain this jumps campaign at next month’s Cheltenham Festival can only be seen as positive following a successful meeting between clerk of the course Simon Claisse and Jason Maguire, racing manager to Paul and Clare Rooney.

In an era when welfare – human and equine – is the hottest of topics, Cheltenham acted efficiently to allay the fears of the Rooneys, who expressed concerns over the increased risk of injury to horses running at the track.

While it will have been a blow for the home of jump racing to have its equine safety questioned by major owners, who have finished in the first four in the owners’ championship for the last four seasons, and the publicity that followed, course officials have maintained an open approach and dialogue to resolve the situation.