Critics have had their knives out for the Shergar Cup at Ascot, ignoring the fact that 28,000 people marched through the front gates and thoroughly enjoyed a day at the races.
Surely, it is now time for the 'bad-mouthing' to stop.
Racing's parish is broad, a fact that is accepted even within the sport itself, and there is ample room for the once-a-year racegoer to dabble in those aspects of the experience they prefer, whether it be drinking, eating, watching horses, betting, or listening to music.
From a purely racing angle, the most scepticism about the invitational jockeys' concept usually comes from owners and trainers, who in a perfect world would prefer to have their choice of rider in the saddle. Then again, they don't have to enter their horse and elsewhere are unlikely to be racing for the same level of prize money – £35,000 per race on Saturday.
Trainer Clive Cox saddled the handicap 'good thing', Polly's Mark, the first of Richard Hughes's three winners that steered the Irish team of jockeys to victory. They wracked up 101 points, almost twice as many as their nearest rivals, Great Britain, who scored 56.
Cox has nothing but praise for the concept he believes has done him a lot of good. "It's a great and unique day, " he told me yesterday. "It is good prize money, which is why we are there. The visiting jockeys may not have the experience of racing here, but they are talented," he said.
Obviously, having Hughes aboard Polly's Mark was a major plus as he had on his side a tremendous jockey, who knows just about every blade of grass on the course.
In last year's Shergar Cup, Cox saddled Perfect Star, who won for Frenchman Gerald Mosse. "It was a great opportunity to meet him and I was then able to book him for Beacon Lodge, who won a Group Three at Chantilly this year. Obviously, you have your favourite jockeys, but there is nothing wrong in meeting new faces. In fact, that is what Shergar Cup is really all about – attracting new faces to racing," said Cox.
In Chicago on Saturday, the Christophe Clement-trained Gio Ponti beat Just As Well in the Arlington Million, with the Walter Swinburn-trained Stotsfold an honourable third and Luca Cumani's Cima De Triomphe fourth.
Adam Kirby, Stotsfold's jockey, said: "Turning into the straight, I still had a very big chance. I actually thought I might nearly win."
Watching Brief by Marlborough
Second Chance: Ottoman Empire (2.15 Southwell) can be forgiven a poor effort last time as the ground was much too fast for him, and he was not given a hard time. He is better judged on a good second at Pontefract before that and this surface should suit.
Draw Score: Silver Grey (5.50 Windsor) caught the eye when finishing strongly in a decent Newmarket nursery and had previously looked a useful sort when scooting home at Epsom. As usual, the stands rails proved an advantage here yesterday and she is drawn to take advantage.
On The Upgrade: Spiders Star (8.00 Thirsk) has gone from strength to strength since joining Sheena West and her turn of foot at Beverley last time was impressive for a stayer. She is still improving.
BET OF THE DAY: Gene Autry (6.20 Windsor) ran very well in a hot Ascot maiden last time and this task looks easier.
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