Max factors in the missing star but is still thrilled to land Marsh Hurdle
It is undeniably true the green light to race came late but the Ascot executive also showed incredible foresight to this year stage its Christmas showpiece as the Marsh Hurdle, cleverly giving the Long Walk-that-was a title neatly summing up the conditions in which it was run.
The ground has been a hot topic at the royal racecourse in recent months, yet just as on Qipco British Champions Day, Ascot's inner Flat course proved capable of beating the weather and hosting a major racing event, even one that on this occasion required the jumping of hurdles.
Grade 1 glory went to The Worlds End, but before we got to the Marsh marvel there was much to report, including an inspection, a missing champion and the wife of Santa Claus.
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