IT is very possible that “The Race of The 2017/2018 Jumps Season” has yet to take place, but if it were to be called now my vote would go for the Betfair Ascot Chase last Saturday. It had a never-say-die veteran, a hugely talented young pretender, and much more besides.

It also had an end-to-end gallop and resulted in an excellent overall time as the young pretender Waiting Patiently and the never-say-die veteran Cue Card drew 15 lengths and more clear of their rivals.