CHELTENHAM is the focus of most racing conversations from now until March and Jim Balfry of the Supreme Horse Racing Club is as caught up in it as anyone. The largest National Hunt syndicate in Ireland and Britain hope to be represented by the likes of Airlie Beach, Bunk Off Early, Listen Dear and Kemboy but while having a winner at the festival “would be right up there”, Balfry finds it difficult to imagine anything overtaking the events of June 21st, 2014 at a little place called Royal Ascot.

Pique Sous was one of the first horses they bought. Willie Mullins told them he had two nice horses down at Tracy Gilmore’s that they could have their pick from, so they plumped for the grey and the deal was done. The resident of the next door box was Digeanta, who proved a six-time winner but the Supreme brains trust have never regretted their decision.