Tommo in full flow, a Scottish hero and the mystery of David Simcock's phone

There was a huge amount of relief among the many racing figures in a deserted Heathrow airport. Not for the chance for warm weather in November, as perhaps in previous years, but joy of the late addition of Bahrain to the UK's travel corridor list. With no fears of a 14-day quarantine, it swayed many more to sample a taste of global horseracing's emerging force last week.

It remained the talk on arrival at 6am local time as many of the stars of the Flat racing game waited for their Covid-19 test. The travelling media personnel waited for almost an hour and a half for the test, which involves your nose being investigated for a split second by a giant cotton bud – but time certainly flies by with Tommo in full swing and discussing his vast array of stories. Considering how devoid we were of sleep on an overnight flight, his energy levels are staggering.

A stellar international field, especially considering the times, completely elevated the Bahrain International Trophy, and the media, owners, trainers and jockeys spent time in this completely unique place in these completely unique times. Hospitality to guests across the trip was enough to make any trainer certain to campaign a runner here 12 months later.