DOWN Royal and Huntingdon unfortunately got in the way on the main channel Racing TV on Wednesday so viewing was mostly through the eyes of the ITV cameras.

On Racing TV, though you can always rely on Jonathon Neesom for a bit of original wit. The description of Bob Olinger going around the parade ring before the Ballymore as looking as “chilled as a sixties hippy” sticks in the mind. And especially after viewing the excellent coverage from the JockeyCam in the review of the race as Bob cruised upsides Bravesmansgame. “Hey man, how’s it going…see yah later…. “ as he whizzed away to the final flight.

Ruby is the big pull for ITV, and he got justifiably excited by Rachael Blackmore’s ride on Bob Olinger. “Doing all the right things, tactically, incredible.”

Both channels showed on-screen sectional times but, to be honest, it’s hard just to take in all the action and reactions – they are useful but better in the cold hours of after-race analysis.

All you want to know in the heat of the action is what the times said about the going and if it was as slowly run as you felt the Champion Chase must have been.

Alice Plunkett finds a relieved Willie Mullins, “probably the most nerve-racking race I’ve ever watched,” after Monkfish gets home in the Brown Advisory Novices’.

The after-race interviews on track are on the mark today – Aidan Coleman is particularly eloquent in his praise for Put The Kettle On in her Champion Chase success. “If you have a heart as big as she has, I don’t have to do much.” He’d make a good spokesperson for racing. Keith Donoghue was also emotional after Tiger Roll’s win.

The Social Stable on ITV is all a bit flat but there’s still no stopping Maureen Mullins making an appearance at the 2021 Festival, this time by Zoom! Ed Chamberlin reports, via Jackie Mullins, that Maureen is “absolutely furious” she’s not allowed at Cheltenham this year.

Chapman nabs Richie Condon and Paul Hennessy after their Coral Cup win, and the trainer gives the line of the day. “She was born at home, I raised her, the places she has brought us, she’s my Enable.”

ITM have their ads rolling and rolling in the interval – it’s another Irish winner! ITV’s graphics for each runner look good too. ITV got some criticism on Tuesday for the lack of parade ring images, but in a year where everything must stay in its place or designated zone, it was not the broadcaster’s fault as Ed Chamberlin praised the BHA for allowing more parade ring coverage on Wednesday.

The panoramic shots show how empty the whole track is. Only the stable staff in the Irish zone gives a little sound to greet the winners out on track. The guard of honour of Irish riders to welcome Richie Condon, Paul Hennessy and Heaven Help Us make it a bit special for such an achievement.

It was all great wrapped in a bubble of excitement for four hours. Better to leave it with Chamberlin after Tiger Roll roared home. “Two days to put the smile back on jump racing.”