'None of us fancied sitting in a giant toaster while lightning was flashing' - Goodwood survives dramatic weather on Nassau day

As the rain hammered down with alarming ferocity, creating impromptu pools on Goodwood's public walkways, and with thunder and lightning providing a dramatic accompaniment to the sodden scene, thoughts inevitably turned to whether conditions were moving in Vadream's favour ahead of Saturday's Stewards' Cup.

For all that they call it Glorious, Goodwood is no stranger to appalling weather, of which there was plenty on the festival's third afternoon. It was forecast and it came, although without any meaningful commitment until during the Markel Richmond Stakes, following which only those who absolutely had to go outside went outside.

The Richmond's runners, riders and grooms already were outside, and so, albeit briefly, was Eve Johnson Houghton, whose Havana Hurricane had just finished an honourable third behind impressive winner Coppull.