Ayr Racecourse was once the main beneficiary of Doncaster’s track management problems when the St Leger was switched north at short notice after holes started appearing in the Turf Moor straight. Now though, it’s the Scottish venue which has a major turf headache to cure.

Given that the aforementioned 1989 St Leger won by Henry Cecil’s Michelozzo was probably the last time Auntie in London had taken an interest in the Scottish venue, it was no surprise to discover the report showing a potentially calamitous seven horse pile-up which, miraculously, failed to seriously injure or maim any horses or jockeys.

Way back in another life, some three stone lighter and obviously bonkers, I fell off more horses at speed than I care to remember. Although I was lucky enough never to tumble off during a race, I’ll never forget approaching the second last hurdle at Ayr one filthy, February Saturday, leading a six horse field but with one foot flailing around trying to find a lost stirrup iron some 10 strides from take-off.

The thought of going down and having five rivals gallop over me focused the mind and I jumped the hurdle with both feet in the pedals and safe to ride another day. However, as Monday’s Ayr PR disaster proved, a herd of animals careering around at speed is an accident waiting to happen and the venues hosting such events have to provide a safe arena.