Although nowhere near my best festival financially, I found it the most exciting Festival in many a long year.
I was greatly impressed by the flexibility of all sides in the rescheduling of Wednesday's races. I know we are often, rightly, critical of the authorities at times, however on this occasion they deserve nothing but praise. I somehow think if the same had happened ten years ago we would have lost the days racing without any attempt to save it.
The only downside of a ten race card, with large fields, is it is physically and mentally exhausting. I have to admit in the Kim Muir on Thursday afternoon (race nine) I completely lost it trying to read the race.
The highlight for me has to be Master Minded, although a heavy losing race for me financially, I don't thing anyone can fail to be impressed with the way he absolutely demolished the field. The sobering thought is he is only a five year old.
Then, just over an hour later, we saw a totally contrasting hero in Inglis Drever - never flash, only just doing enough, but what guts.
The Kauto Star / Denman clash wasn't quite the gladiatorial contest most envisaged, however it was a privilege to watch all the same.
Add to that some exciting finishes, especially in the early races on Friday then the Festival must have something for everyone.
There were some disappointments, Sizing Europe amongst them and there are still as many questions posed as were answered, but that is the joy of racing?
It is after races like Master Minded’s and the Gold Cup that I sometimes wish I had children – so in years to come I could bore my grandchildren with “I was there” tales.
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