Many happy returns: owners and jumping are back in business at Southwell

Passing the black-and-white checkered go-karting track on the A46 is a telltale sign you are approaching Southwell, where the yellow flag dropped – much to the industry’s delight – as jump racing in Britain resumed with a bumper nine-race card.

Following the grand Ladbrokes-sponsored Dan Skelton horsebox – of a size befitting the trainer’s armoury – down the Racecourse Road approaching the track was another notable pointer.

The midday start was preceded by a minute’s silence to remember Grand National-winning jockey Liam Treadwell and Aintree chairman Rose Paterson.