And huge credit also to Derek O’Connor for his sportsmanship throughout the season, not to mention 10 years as a fantastic ambassador for racing.

What made the difference this season? Obviously Jamie avoiding injury was a big factor and he rode like a man possessed. His two Ballindenisk winners last month stood out for me as the turning point. This was Cork & Waterford territory, far from Jamie’s usual stomping ground, and yet he came away with a double and Derek had no winner. I was at the last fence for both races and Jamie rode down to it like it wasn’t there.