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If you follow racing closely—whether it’s horse racing or greyhounds—it’s hard to escape the feeling that mainstream media outlets are simply not on the sport’s side.
Turn on the TV, scroll through online headlines, or pick up a newspaper, and the pattern is the same: the focus is overwhelmingly on the negatives. A tragic on-track fatality, an injury, a welfare controversy, or political noise around a proposed ban—these are the stories that get prominence, clicks, and airtime. Meanwhile, the day-to-day reality of the sport—the care, the investment, the livelihoods, and the thousands of races that pass without incident—barely registers.
For many within racing, this isn’t just about headlines—it reflects a broader feeling that traditional rural and sporting pursuits—from fox hunting to greyhound racing to horse racing—are increasingly under pressure from the woke brigade and degenerate lefties. Debate around animal welfare is important and necessary, but when coverage consistently leans one way, it can feel less like balanced scrutiny and more like a narrative that overlooks the full picture. There’s a growing view among some that, bit by bit, long-standing traditions—and the way of life built around them—are being eroded in modern Britain.
A recent example often cited is the death of Envoi Allen during the Cheltenham Festival—an incident that, while undeniably tragic, quickly became the dominant narrative beyond the sport. For many outside racing, that single moment defined their entire perception of the festival, despite everything else that took place across the week. It’s a clear illustration of how isolated events are amplified, shaping opinion far more than the broader reality ever could.
That imbalance matters. Public perception is shaped not by what happens most often, but by what people hear about most often. If the only exposure the wider public has to racing is through stories of death, controversy, or regulation battles, then it’s no surprise sentiment begins to turn. The narrative becomes skewed, and the sport is judged on its worst moments rather than its full picture.
It’s not to say difficult issues should be ignored—far from it. Transparency and accountability are essential for racing’s future. But when coverage lacks context or balance, it stops informing and starts distorting. Sensational headlines drive engagement, and racing—like many industries—becomes an easy target.
The challenge for the sport is obvious. How do you win over public opinion when the loudest voices people hear are consistently negative? Racing finds itself playing defence, reacting to headlines rather than shaping its own story.
Until there’s a more balanced portrayal—one that acknowledges both the challenges and the realities—it’s hard to see how the wider public can be expected to fully understand, let alone support, the sport. Right now, the media narrative isn’t just critical—it’s defining.
Turn on the TV, scroll through online headlines, or pick up a newspaper, and the pattern is the same: the focus is overwhelmingly on the negatives. A tragic on-track fatality, an injury, a welfare controversy, or political noise around a proposed ban—these are the stories that get prominence, clicks, and airtime. Meanwhile, the day-to-day reality of the sport—the care, the investment, the livelihoods, and the thousands of races that pass without incident—barely registers.
For many within racing, this isn’t just about headlines—it reflects a broader feeling that traditional rural and sporting pursuits—from fox hunting to greyhound racing to horse racing—are increasingly under pressure from the woke brigade and degenerate lefties. Debate around animal welfare is important and necessary, but when coverage consistently leans one way, it can feel less like balanced scrutiny and more like a narrative that overlooks the full picture. There’s a growing view among some that, bit by bit, long-standing traditions—and the way of life built around them—are being eroded in modern Britain.
A recent example often cited is the death of Envoi Allen during the Cheltenham Festival—an incident that, while undeniably tragic, quickly became the dominant narrative beyond the sport. For many outside racing, that single moment defined their entire perception of the festival, despite everything else that took place across the week. It’s a clear illustration of how isolated events are amplified, shaping opinion far more than the broader reality ever could.
That imbalance matters. Public perception is shaped not by what happens most often, but by what people hear about most often. If the only exposure the wider public has to racing is through stories of death, controversy, or regulation battles, then it’s no surprise sentiment begins to turn. The narrative becomes skewed, and the sport is judged on its worst moments rather than its full picture.
It’s not to say difficult issues should be ignored—far from it. Transparency and accountability are essential for racing’s future. But when coverage lacks context or balance, it stops informing and starts distorting. Sensational headlines drive engagement, and racing—like many industries—becomes an easy target.
The challenge for the sport is obvious. How do you win over public opinion when the loudest voices people hear are consistently negative? Racing finds itself playing defence, reacting to headlines rather than shaping its own story.
Until there’s a more balanced portrayal—one that acknowledges both the challenges and the realities—it’s hard to see how the wider public can be expected to fully understand, let alone support, the sport. Right now, the media narrative isn’t just critical—it’s defining.
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Yes but on the other hand, racing does sometimes shoot itself in the foot.
Envoi Allen: if a horse needs to retire, is it really a good idea to have their last hurrah at the most competitive meeting of the year?
The Nico/Queally kerfuffle and Fakenham: is it time to throw amateur riders out of professional sport?
The Nico/Queally kerfuffle and starts generally: FFS this has been going on for year after year.
Envoi Allen: if a horse needs to retire, is it really a good idea to have their last hurrah at the most competitive meeting of the year?
The Nico/Queally kerfuffle and Fakenham: is it time to throw amateur riders out of professional sport?
The Nico/Queally kerfuffle and starts generally: FFS this has been going on for year after year.
The premise is completely daft ; negative events that can be spun into bad reporting can be eliminated from the sport.
Hint - they can't.
So you just get a race to the bottom, the sport gets hollowed out to such an extent it's hardly recognisable. And bad things still happen, the people that hate it, still hate it. They won't be satisfied by painting hurdles white or only hitting a horse 7 times. They will only be satisfied when there is no more horse racing.
The stakeholders either need to have confidence in what they do. Or give up.
Hint - they can't.
So you just get a race to the bottom, the sport gets hollowed out to such an extent it's hardly recognisable. And bad things still happen, the people that hate it, still hate it. They won't be satisfied by painting hurdles white or only hitting a horse 7 times. They will only be satisfied when there is no more horse racing.
The stakeholders either need to have confidence in what they do. Or give up.
For what it's worth, I absolutely love horse racing. It's right up there for me, and I'd be pretty devastated to lose it.
But the fundamental question is not a simple one. Should humans in the 21st century control and ride horses, at all. For any purpose. They weren't created for another entity to sit on their backs. It's quite primitive when you think about it. Yes we breed them to do it, thoroughbreds in training tend to live very good lives. But is it right to control another animal to that extent, because you can? It doesn't just apply to horses of course. For me, it's an open ethical question.
But the fundamental question is not a simple one. Should humans in the 21st century control and ride horses, at all. For any purpose. They weren't created for another entity to sit on their backs. It's quite primitive when you think about it. Yes we breed them to do it, thoroughbreds in training tend to live very good lives. But is it right to control another animal to that extent, because you can? It doesn't just apply to horses of course. For me, it's an open ethical question.
Horses have been an important partner in human civilization for 2000 years or more. Yes they have been captured and broken in from the wild as have dogs and cats and animals used for farmed meat. For animals of their size they seem fairly tolerant of being around humans (as are elephants and camels of course) I can easily see Greyhound racing being banned soon and horse racing will be at risk. Like fox hunting however, it is the "show" that surrounds it that causes hostility from some. I believe that point to points can survive as they only attract country people who live with animals all the time but flat and jump racing at places like Ascot, Sandown, Cheltenham etc. will be under increasing srutiny beacause they draw big crowds and media coverage. At least we might still be allowed to watch racing in France and Ireland where I don't see any likely ban in the near future. I was a livestock farmer for my working life but the rules changed which made it uneconomic to continue and many of those who make a living from racehorses might find themselves in the same boat.
It is ironic that when it comes to human "cruelty" we have gone backwards. Cage fighting and bare knuckle boxing would not have been contemplated 50 years ago. Carpet bombing of civilian areas almost stopped for 50 years until Israel, the US and Iran restarted it.
Like Cider I love horses and horse racing and have done for 75 years but I fear for the future.
It is ironic that when it comes to human "cruelty" we have gone backwards. Cage fighting and bare knuckle boxing would not have been contemplated 50 years ago. Carpet bombing of civilian areas almost stopped for 50 years until Israel, the US and Iran restarted it.
Like Cider I love horses and horse racing and have done for 75 years but I fear for the future.
“But is it right to control another animal to that extent, because you can? It doesn't just apply to horses of course. For me, it's an open ethical question.”
The thing is, ethics don’t carry the world over, will they stop using donkeys for labour? Stop giving tourists rides on Camels or Elephants.
Should we stop using sheep dogs?
Until they stop sending animals into space or testing on them, there’s far more to be concerned about regarding welfare.
KemoH the media is made up from the righteous who have been brought up with different ideas, racing needs to clean itself not just in terms of welfare but also how they treat the people who keep it going, the punters.
The Fact or File debacle was a joke, as was the racings media non coverage of the setback of joint favourite Jukebox Man.
Transparency will start happening when body weights are introduced and we can see how fit or ready a horse is, not just by eye, info only privy to the stable.
The thing is, ethics don’t carry the world over, will they stop using donkeys for labour? Stop giving tourists rides on Camels or Elephants.
Should we stop using sheep dogs?
Until they stop sending animals into space or testing on them, there’s far more to be concerned about regarding welfare.
KemoH the media is made up from the righteous who have been brought up with different ideas, racing needs to clean itself not just in terms of welfare but also how they treat the people who keep it going, the punters.
The Fact or File debacle was a joke, as was the racings media non coverage of the setback of joint favourite Jukebox Man.
Transparency will start happening when body weights are introduced and we can see how fit or ready a horse is, not just by eye, info only privy to the stable.
The point is we are where we are. In the vast majority of cases, we don't need to put animals to work for us before. Clearly before planes trains and automobiles existed, if humans didn't ride horses they wouldn't get very far.
I'm not saying it shouldn't be done. But it is not a straight forward question. ie it's bigger than horse racing, or using animals in sport. Whether we should now use animals at all, when we don't need to. Where do you draw the line, police dogs/horses, blind dogs? Pets?
It could be argued using animals is a form of slavery. When people talking about breaking a horse, they really mean breaking its will. Anyway, my positive thought for the day
I'm not saying it shouldn't be done. But it is not a straight forward question. ie it's bigger than horse racing, or using animals in sport. Whether we should now use animals at all, when we don't need to. Where do you draw the line, police dogs/horses, blind dogs? Pets?
It could be argued using animals is a form of slavery. When people talking about breaking a horse, they really mean breaking its will. Anyway, my positive thought for the day
The BBC as soon as it lost the coverage went to town on Racing and any headlines there are usually negative. We might as well all pack up and do nothing remotely risky to man or beast. Is that what we are here for just to exist?
On average, the RSPCA received 374 reports of animal cruelty every day in June to August 2024.
It received 88,770 reports of cruelty across the whole year in 2023, which rose to 105,250 in 2024 - up 19% compared to 33% when looking at summer months alone.
It received 88,770 reports of cruelty across the whole year in 2023, which rose to 105,250 in 2024 - up 19% compared to 33% when looking at summer months alone.
why anyone gives any credibility to the bbc is a bigger puzzle
i don't think it helps to decribe people of the left as "degenerate". i consider myself of the left but do not consider it unethical to use animals in a way that they have been bred for and love jump racing. I am considering voting Green but will not do so if there is anything in their manifesto about banning/curbing racing.
I am not sure that racing helps itself though. Breeders are tending to conentrate on speed because that's where the quick bucks lie.
I think you'll find the notoriously unsound Danzig in the pedigree of at least 80% of the flat horses in the British Isles.
I am not sure that racing helps itself though. Breeders are tending to conentrate on speed because that's where the quick bucks lie.
I think you'll find the notoriously unsound Danzig in the pedigree of at least 80% of the flat horses in the British Isles.
the left / right divide is obsolete. the 'green' party have sold out to islamists in their marxist quest. Each to their own, I'm not sure what are the outcomes you want, if you are also a marxist then it's obviously somewhat understandable.
salmon spray • March 19, 2026 1:16 PM GMT
i don't think it helps to decribe people of the left as "degenerate". i consider myself of the left but do not consider it unethical to use animals in a way that they have been bred for and love jump racing. I am considering voting Green but will not do so if there is anything in their manifesto about banning/curbing racing.
Are you a young female Salmon? That’s who’s meant to be voting for them!
What other policies of theirs do you like? Legalisation of crack?
i don't think it helps to decribe people of the left as "degenerate". i consider myself of the left but do not consider it unethical to use animals in a way that they have been bred for and love jump racing. I am considering voting Green but will not do so if there is anything in their manifesto about banning/curbing racing.
Are you a young female Salmon? That’s who’s meant to be voting for them!
What other policies of theirs do you like? Legalisation of crack?
The Green Party would drop the Church of England as Britain's established church if it wins the next general election.
The party led by Zack Polanski has been criticized for its policies of legalizing the possession of drugs such as heroin and crack cocaine, reversing Brexit and offering illegal migrants a home as well as access to the NHS.
But the party also wants to undo nearly 500 years of British History by disconnecting the country from the COE.
Bishops would be expelled from the House of Lords and the Church's representative in the House of Commons, currently Labour MP Marsha de Cordova, would be abolished.
Henry VIII established the nation's church in the 1534 Act of Supremacy during his reign.
The party led by Zack Polanski has been criticized for its policies of legalizing the possession of drugs such as heroin and crack cocaine, reversing Brexit and offering illegal migrants a home as well as access to the NHS.
But the party also wants to undo nearly 500 years of British History by disconnecting the country from the COE.
Bishops would be expelled from the House of Lords and the Church's representative in the House of Commons, currently Labour MP Marsha de Cordova, would be abolished.
Henry VIII established the nation's church in the 1534 Act of Supremacy during his reign.
I am a perfectly serious contributor to this forum and have been since 2007.Unlike the newbie Amherst.
I am not a Marxist and there may well be other things in their manifesto that I am not keen on. I do however feel it is important to vote and every party will have something in their manifesto that I disagree with. I can't imagine even Cider believes ALL the garbage Farage spouts for example.
Having said that any declaration to curb horse racing from any party would be a no-no.
I am not a Marxist and there may well be other things in their manifesto that I am not keen on. I do however feel it is important to vote and every party will have something in their manifesto that I disagree with. I can't imagine even Cider believes ALL the garbage Farage spouts for example.
Having said that any declaration to curb horse racing from any party would be a no-no.
The original post is just typical of the racing bubble. We are right, the rest are wrong. Most people don't give two hoots about racing. If they did the whip would have gone years ago. They care about gambling, but that's different. If racing went, most would find something else to bet on. If you want to talk about bias look no further than the racing media itself. Just pandering to those in the bubble. Negatives buried.
being serious for that many posts of no merit or amusement isnt something to crow about
you are quite sure garage is no good but consider voting for polanski. im no nuge fan but if you will vote for polanski (not his real nam) you are a fool, and im the greenest forumite of all time given my tiny carbon foorprint
the greens have gone far beyond what they were set up for
you are quite sure garage is no good but consider voting for polanski. im no nuge fan but if you will vote for polanski (not his real nam) you are a fool, and im the greenest forumite of all time given my tiny carbon foorprint
the greens have gone far beyond what they were set up for
salmon I don't know your politics but the 'green' party is marxist. as is de rigour in liberalist circles, things are labelled in an opposite way to what they are. the only thing green about them is the pakistani flag. if you don't support marxist policies, don't like open borders, do like a justice system etc, what is that they are extolling that you do like?
id get rid of guide dogs before racing
it sucks the life out of them and curbs their natural exuberance
there are 9m people in this country doing nothing, we could train some of them, after serious vetting, to help the blind
you wouldnt need millions of em and the blind person would have someone to interact with and a companion who could talk to them rather than bark. much better for all concerned
it sucks the life out of them and curbs their natural exuberance
there are 9m people in this country doing nothing, we could train some of them, after serious vetting, to help the blind
you wouldnt need millions of em and the blind person would have someone to interact with and a companion who could talk to them rather than bark. much better for all concerned
Farage is dancing on the head of a pin, as nothing that needs to be done can be done without a strong majority, and hard line policies won't command a strong majority. But the fundamental task is to get elected.
Stephen Barratt nails it, as he outlines. Genuinely nice people who aren't racist don't want to be called racist. In fact, they'd hate it. So, naturally, the liberalist establishment will endlessly smear reform and anyone considering voting for reform as racist. It's a base level tactic, but it has been effective. Because, to repeat, nice people don't want to be branded racist. I personally feel that the strategy has finally run out of road, but we shall see for real in May.
Stephen Barratt nails it, as he outlines. Genuinely nice people who aren't racist don't want to be called racist. In fact, they'd hate it. So, naturally, the liberalist establishment will endlessly smear reform and anyone considering voting for reform as racist. It's a base level tactic, but it has been effective. Because, to repeat, nice people don't want to be branded racist. I personally feel that the strategy has finally run out of road, but we shall see for real in May.
racism is the great sin of the age and seen everywhere by those who go looking for it
it hardly appears in places where it is supposed to be rife, and ignored where it does exist
other 'cultures' in the uk are mono-cultural and susipicious of other minorities and downright hostile to some, ie asian shopkeepers in london use language you rarely hear from those 'right wing' middle class people who are routinely disparaged, wrongly, as they are terrified of the label and tiptoe round the truth as their offspring are relieved of their property daily
it hardly appears in places where it is supposed to be rife, and ignored where it does exist
other 'cultures' in the uk are mono-cultural and susipicious of other minorities and downright hostile to some, ie asian shopkeepers in london use language you rarely hear from those 'right wing' middle class people who are routinely disparaged, wrongly, as they are terrified of the label and tiptoe round the truth as their offspring are relieved of their property daily
Even when the authorities admit letting Calocane loose to murder 3 completely innocent people, and a man is allowed to furtively mooch around a foyer at a concert for kids with literally a bomb on their back, because stopping them would be 'racist'. It counts for sh11t.
A million one way tickets would do for starters.
Never to return.
Never to return.
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