Among the countless thousands of regular racegoers that could not attend the 2021 Cheltenham Festival, one particular absence overshadowed all others. No shortage of opinion has been shared about the events that led to Gordon Elliott’s suspension but, with the approaching anniversary of his career crisis, it is interesting to see how the team at Cullentra has responded to the challenge of rebuilding momentum and preparing for a happier spring than they faced into 12 months ago.

Given Gordon’s passing resemblance to James Corden, I suggested that we might travel together in late January to Gowran Park for the Goffs Thyestes Chase but, fortunately perhaps, a low quality version of Carpool Karaoke was not to be. Instead, I called on a damp Tuesday morning ahead of the Dublin Racing Festival, to his base near Longwood in south-west Co Meath.