WE’RE off first time. Flag up, tape back, horses away. Simple really. The angle we’ve walked in at has handed an advantage to the horses lined up middle to outer though. Nevertheless we’re away just behind the leaders, one off the rail. Ideal.

I can see Faugheen striding along in front as the first fence rushes to meet us. We rise and land. Nothing changes. The pink of Townend and the blue of Puppy are in front but from their hands, neither want to be. Noted.