National Hunt racing has long been my first love. There was never any logic to it, no horses in any generation of a family tree. But then you can never really predict who you will fall for, what unlikely sort attracts, where you get the buzz.

And, for all its glorious moments, you learn quickly that National Hunt racing is an unfaithful lover.

It’ll bring thrills in anticipation and moments of exhilarating excitement but is capable of letting you down, dump you, just like that.

You don’t forget the days that joy turned to sadness, the deaths of heroes. Memories of Golden Cygnet, Dawn Run, human lives changed, severe injuries.

Most recently, Many Clouds sudden death was a reminder of the fickle nature of the love affair.

It was the same back in 2013 when after the climax of a thrilling Grand National, came the news that Synchronised and According To Pete had lost their lives.

Many years ago, a little horse called Ei Ei. No star but ran as fast as he could for as long as he could. Ten lengths clear the last one afternoon at Market Rasen. Jockey played it safe, yanked him back. He clipped the top, down, dead. It ruined the day. You move on, but you never forget.

Most of the time, it’s worth going along for the ride, take what it gives you. Marvel at the wonderful, crazy way Coneygree came the road less travelled to beat the two big guns, Ricci and Gigginstown, in the Gold Cup two years ago.

This season, Rich Ricci must feel like he’s been dumped. He’s been seduced by National Hunt racing. He’s thrown a small fortune to it and until now, the lady blessed him back, giving him those moments of exhilaration. Bring me your best, I’ll give you four Supreme Novices, an Arkle, two Champion Hurdles, I’m all yours.

But this year, she been unfaithful. She turned, whacked him in the face, kicked him in the stomach and off she went to give her favours to another. Flash your cash? Think you can take my crown jewels when you want them, Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle? Not so fast, I’ll not be taken for granted.

So what to do you do when you’ve been dumped? Try to win her back?

The danger was always that some of those who came to jump racing, spent big and had instant success, might desert the game when the inevitable happened. It must have been a relief for some to hear Ricci say we’ll keep throwing darts at the last Leopardstown meeting despite the disappointments because this year, losing Vautour, and having Annie Power and Faugheen grounded was tough. Getabird was added to the injury list. Pray God for Douvan along with the girls, Vroum Vroum Mag, Let's Dance and Limini as the next best. Let’s hope Rich feels some love. After all, we all know what it’s like to be dumped.