International dreams still alive for Ginger Spice after valiant Cup effort

The weather was cool and cloudy as the big day dawned but it was not long before the sun was shining at it was all systems go for Robin Of Navan.

He, along with all of the other local and international runners, had to trot up for the vets on Saturday before undergoing further tests on Sunday morning. We had to be at the barns no earlier than 6am to collect a urine sample and had until 7.30am to produce one before the vets would take blood samples instead.

Despite my whistling almost non-stop for two hours, which left my jaw aching, Robin said "non" to peeing and so bloods were taken, after which he had a short lead out and a 20-minute ridden walk and trot.