SEVEN races, five Irish-bred winners and a pair from France. Thursday was a complete reversal in 24 hours, and the near Gallic whitewash of Wednesday was soon forgotten.

Though the Ryanair Chase is considered as the main event on day three of the Cheltenham Festival, for me the Grade 1 Stayers Hurdle takes centre stage, and what a showcase this year’s race was for older horses, 11-year-olds finishing first and third.