'I count myself incredibly lucky' - Simon Claisse stands down after 22 years

Simon Claisse said he could "probably write a book" on the most magical performances he witnessed at Cheltenham as he oversaw his final meeting after more than 22 years as clerk of the course.

He expressed his gratitude to all those who wished him well during racing on Friday and said he would most miss the "precious" moments the sport provided, singling out Best Mate's third Gold Cup and Sprinter Sacre's 2016 Champion Chase as standout memories.

"I'm trying to stay composed because it is quite a moving moment," Claisse said after a smooth final day. "I've ate, slept and breathed this place for 22 and a bit years. But I just count myself incredibly lucky. The last three Festivals in particular have been wonderful.

'Chaos can strike any time' - behind the scenes with Cheltenham's Simon Claisse

"I'll miss being part of an iconic sporting venue. I've been fortunate to spend more than two decades at one of the most exciting places I've ever been to in terms of the atmosphere created around the sport. I'll miss the competition, the horses and the people.

"I've had a wonderful team around me and we're here really to set the stage before the players act out the sport in the afternoon – and my goodness they've done a great job of that during the last 22 years. It was wonderful to have crowds back and I'll miss that buzz."

An emotional occasion as Nico de Boinville partners Sprinter Sacre to victory in the 2016 Champion ChaseCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Claisse has faced a number of challenges during his tenure, and he added: "The Cheltenham Festival is always a big task. We've had it all in 22 and a bit years: foot and mouth, equine flu and Covid-19.

"Never was what we can do at short notice better demonstrated than last season, when we provided a bubble for the Irish contingent as though they were a travelling team – it was a real accomplishment."

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