'I was sure I'd flunk out' - from frustration to elation for Henry de Bromhead

Stats have been slung at Henry de Bromhead all season. He has been getting it in the ear everywhere he goes about his strike-rate slumping, but on the big stage the only stat that mattered was the one that said he was going home with the Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup again. Oh, and the Turners trophy too.

It was not quite an audacious repeat of the Holy Trinity of 2021, as Energumene romped home in the Champion Chase. However, as the late, great Meat Loaf used to sing, two out of three ain't bad.

"It's been frustrating more than anything," admitted De Bromhead when asked about the last couple of months.