Welcome back to Cheltenham! Plenty has changed but not our precious festival

It is time to welcome back our old friend Cheltenham. Like most relationships, an absence of nearly six months seems simply way too long.

A lot has changed, hasn't it? We have a new king and a new prime minister – well we did, but not for long – and suddenly live at a point of utter political chaos in Britain.

So yes, it's good to see you again Cheltenham. We should do this more often, shouldn't we? Or maybe not, if this week's other big news is any guide.