WE are well used to Cheltenham preview nights, but three nights before the Dubai World Cup I experienced my first such event for the world’s richest raceday.

Held in one of the McGettigan pubs (the other hosted one on the following night), it was staged in association with David Marnane Racing. The trainer was present and is a well-known name and face in the country, where his runners have won in excess of €800,000. A colourful brochure was available for potential owners, while the television screens showed many of his big race winners on a loop.