“DRINK it in – allow the mood and atmosphere to intoxicate you.” This was the recommendation given to us by the inimitable Dr Sweeney as Clarity Sky crossed the winning line in the Group 1 NHK Mile at Tokyo last Sunday. It was sage advice on how to enjoy the pomp and ceremony of a Group 1 win.

The return to our regular routine on Paca Paca Farm at 6am the following morning was proof that these occasions are ephemeral. Thankfully however, we did drink it in and the day Clarity Sky secured his place in the annals of Japanese racing history will be remembered for a long time by those of us fortunate enough to be flown to Tokyo to attend the races.