'We're out of fashion but what else am I going to do? Go to the pub?'

All through the afternoon, and as consistent as the fine drizzle that fell from a depressed sky, trains ran alongside Sandown's back straight, many of them stopping at the station that neighbours the Railway Fences. No doubt to the surprise of some who remained at home, mindful that this was another strike day, there appeared to be a normal service. From Paul Nicholls, there was much the same.

Nicholls was not here, but he was far from alone in staying away, for the first Grade 1 prize of 2023 was seen by a crowd of underwhelming numbers. Those who did attend saw Tahmuras add further lustre to Nicholls' sparkling squad of novice hurdlers and then Wishing And Hoping spring a 50-1 shock in the Veterans' Series Final. They also witnessed Lydia Richards and Pam Sly each win a Saturday race on ITV. This happens much less regularly for them than Nicholls – and it was extremely lovely to witness.

Seven days after Hermes Allen won the Challow Hurdle in a canter, stablemate Tahmuras claimed the Unibet Tolworth Hurdle with oodles of authority, travelling all over his toiling rivals up the home straight and coming home two and a half lengths clear despite clouting the final flight.