The heading would have been unthinkable two years ago; now that the precedent has been set it seems safe to assume this time next year we will be seeing a normal program of racing on a day that was once regarded as sacred.

So does it matter? Probably not; after all those that wish to observe Easter as a religious occasion are free to do so. And if the big high street stores, the supermarkets and the DIY chains can open their doors, why should there not be racing?

That is a compelling argument. It is unfortunate for stable staff, even for jockeys that they can no longer rely on at least one blank day after the generous three days granted to them over the Christmas period. But in pursuit of the greater ideal, it seems the show must go on.

There is just one point I should like to make. Before we reach the situation where there is a card from Catterick, jumping from Cartmel and eight races run under the floodlights at Wolverhampton on Good Friday, the authorities have seen fit to provide a bumper card at Lingfield with prize-money to match. Even Musselburgh stages a financially healthy card.

Effectively, and continuing the Roman theme prevalent to the story that comprised events that spawned the celebration known as Easter two-thousand years ago, frantic to stage racing under any circumstances, bookmakers have made racing an offer it can’t refuse.

Any visitors from Mars could be forgiven for thinking that horse racing is blessed with riches aplenty, and that owning a racehorse might be a good move. Of course if they stick around long enough they will see the folly of this supposition.

So just where has this money suddenly come from? Those that have tirelessly bemoaned the state of British racing – claiming there is too much of it, particularly at the lower end – are left scratching their heads. In order to fulfil an unspecified brief – it was generally accepted that for racing to go ahead on Good Friday it would have to be of a decent standard – bookmakers have raided the petty cash tin. It will be interesting to see if this standard can be sustained next year and beyond.

Lingfield kick off inauspiciously enough with an apprentice handicap; but it is not just any old apprentice handicap – here Corals provide a Class 2 apprentice handicap. From a betting point of view it does not make it any easier than one of those fictitious events from Happy Downs, but the winner gets an unprecedented thirty grand.

32Red are the next generous sponsor when thirty-five minutes later we are faced with a conditions affair restricted to fillies and mares – which of course is the sting in the tail.

As if a field of fourteen racing over seven furlongs does not sufficiently complicate the issue for punters, they have to deal with what is often the wildest card of all: that of the uncertainty of the fairer equine sex. Deep joy! At least it will be for winning connections that will receive the thick end of ninety grand.

Similar money is available in the next – the 32Red All-Weather 3 Year Old Championships Conditions Stakes.

This is not an unreasonable title for a race that includes Ertijaal, already a winner over course and distance and that was once touted as a live Guineas prospect. Stranger things have happened, although on the scant evidence to hand, he may struggle to stay further than today’s trip of seven furlongs.

American Hope, Major Crispies and Sir Robert Cheval were not far behind Ertijaal last time, although they will be lucky to get as close now unless Ertijaal is against the idea of putting his best hoof forward on such an occasion. Add the unbeaten and potentially poorly-drawn Passing Star to the mix along with the progressive duo that is Complicit and Captain Secret and the race stacks up.

There is no sign of the money drying up in the marathon conditions stakes – again ninety grand seems to have been found from an offshore account. Apparently connections of Litigant have had their eyes on this pot for some time, the six-year-old having been laid out for money he would otherwise struggle to win.

A class 2 over six furlongs follows at just after four o’clock. In their generosity, those bookmakers that have thrown up prices choose to offer 5’s the field.

A late defector from the Lincoln on account of ground worries, Captain Cat will chase his share of ninety grand in the race sponsored by our old friend and benefactor to racing – Ladbrokes.

In another life they once courted my services at a meeting in Central London, where their representative saw fit to buy me an orange juice and a beef sandwich. There was no ticket to Bermuda tucked inside a napkin – no offer from a waitress in fishnets to provide anything I might want. It was hardly Don Corleone stuff.

Sensing their actual contribution told me all I needed to know about them as a firm, I declined Ladbrokes’ offer to provide me with gainful employment. The jury is out as to which one of us is the poorer or richer for this decision. I might be tempted to poach a little more than a beef sandwich from them if they offer the general 5/1 that seems likely to be available about Captain Cat tomorrow. You see, I have fallen for the trap!

The jaws lock at 5.20 with the Coral Easter Classic All-Weather Middle Distance Championship. Here, 8lbs clear of his nearest rivals on official ratings, Grandeur is the projected favourite.

However, he has already displayed one or two tendencies to make punters hesitate. Good though his overall record might be, he often finds little in his races and his best runs – often achieved on the world racing stage – are arguably in defeat.

There is a suspicion he does not relish a scrap. With over a hundred grand on offer it is very likely that Solar Diety, Dick Doughtywylie, Robins Hoods Bay (not sure to confirm his latest victory with several of these) and Marshgate Lane will do their utmost to ensure Grandeur does not get things his own way.

Perhaps he ought to join the queue.