The ties that bind! Was Nicky dropping a subliminal hint to Gigginstown team?

The Dikler loves a trier, so he can only commend the efforts made by champion jumps trainer Nicky Henderson to further boost the power of his stable for the 2018-19 season.

Having fought valiantly, and often forlornly, against the overseas raids of Messrs Mullins, Elliott and O’Leary, Henderson appears to have decided to take the bull by the horns to try to make life a little easier for himself next season – with some gentle subliminal messaging.

At last week’s final Cheltenham fixture, the trainer was photographed by his assistant Toby Lawes sporting a tie in the familiar shades of maroon with white stars.