ITV presenter Oli Bell has called on horse racing to celebrate Saffie Osborne's history-making win in the Betfred St Leger, describing it as "as good a day on the racecourse as I can remember."
Around 30,000 racegoers, enjoying the sunshine, were fully aware of the magnitude of what they had just witnessed, Bell wrote in a column for the Racing Post. He praised Doncaster and Arena Racing for their work in making the 250th St Leger a fitting occasion, saying they were rewarded with "the fairytale result."
Positive message needed
Bell stressed that the sport must "shout loudly" about such days, arguing that racing has recently been talking negatively about its future. While challenges exist, he warned that repeating a negative message will seep into the wider world.
"The sport of horse racing on its day, as Saturday highlighted so perfectly, is unmatched," he wrote. He added that repeating claims about detractors or dark clouds is a damaging narrative for the public psyche.
Bell acknowledged that bad news stories should not be ignored, but noted that many issues are out of most people's control. He observed that of the 30,000-plus at Doncaster, most would not care about disputes involving the Arc, the Jockey Club, Ascot, or the RCA.
Trusting racing's leaders
Bell mentioned that Martin Cruddace told him on ITV's The Opening Show that positive conversations are happening behind the scenes. He argued that smart people in high-powered roles should be trusted to work in the best interest of the sport's long-term health.
Rather than publicly focusing on infighting, Bell urged the sport to tell the world that racing is "truly magical." He said Saturday showed that, and racing always shows that.
"Whenever something good happens we don't need to air our dirty laundry," Bell wrote. He called for racing to ensure every news station is aware of the groundbreaking, historic, and inspirational moment, and to campaign for Saffie to be shortlisted for BBC SPOTY.
Generational stars
Bell highlighted Saffie Osborne and soon-to-be-champion jockey Billy Loughnane as two generational stars who can cross into the mainstream and bring new fans to the sport. He concluded: "Let's spend more time telling the world about them and their achievements rather then who is bickering with who."
