'Willie Mullins - bring your horses over, we'll take them on'

This week brought some ominous signs for British racing, so it was refreshing to hear the reaction of owner Mark Dunphy after Do Your Job justified favouritism in the Champion Novices' Chase at Ayr.

Amid the worry of spiralling costs for trainers and owners due to rising inflation and record-high fuel and feed prices, we were treated to some much-needed light relief by Dunphy, who looked as though he was ready to combust with enthusiasm.

The sport is always fighting to attract new owners, which will be made harder if they have to shoulder too much extra cost, but in Dunphy, racing has the perfect advert for the joys of ownership.