The birthday party without a birthday needs a standout moment - and it could come from this superstar filly

Drmot Weld and Tahiyra after the Coronation Stakes

Dermot Weld and Tahiyra after the Coronation Stakes at Royal AscotCredit: Edward Whitaker

There's a scene from the sitcom Friends – The One Where Rachel Smokes – in which Monica and Phoebe organise a surprise birthday party for Rachel.

For any Friends fanatics out there like myself, you will already know it's the one with cups and ice. Anyway, Rachel arrives back at the apartment, opens the door and everyone screams "SURPRISE" to which the birthday girl replies: "What??? My birthday is not for another month!"

Champions Day at Ascot has that sort of feel to it. A birthday party without it being anybody's birthday; a wedding without anybody actually getting married; a New Year's Eve party in April.

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Published on 20 October 2023inDavid Jennings

Last updated 14:00, 20 October 2023

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