Quotes of the week: a heartbreaking near-miss and fond farewells

"I've had the flu the last couple of days. I woke up without a voice this morning and I thought, 'What a great start', but if every birthday went like this I'd be all right"
Tom Marquand celebrated turning 21 by winning the Unibet Spring Mile at Doncaster on Petrus

"Unfortunately for us it wasn't our day, but such is life. It's always the case that nobody remembers the one who comes second."
Richie McLernon reflecting on his photo-finish second in the 2012 Grand National on Sunnyhillboy behind winner Neptune Collonges

"We're wet through but couldn't care less – we're absolutely buzzing. He's a great horse and this is a dream come true."
A drenched and delighted Steve Massey, UK racing manager for the Supreme Racing Club after Kemboy won the Betway Bowl at Aintree

"There were 3,000 shares available at £57 for Pentland Hills, which equates to roughly 2,100 individual members, and I think it's fair to say we've got a lot of enthusiastic and happy people."
Dan Downie, racing manager for the Owners Group after Pentland Hills scored his second Grade 1 in the Anniversary Hurdle

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