The week in words: 'I nearly passed out and felt so faint!'

I can have a day off for a change. It's actually going to be quite nice because I'll be able to watch the racing down the pub with some of my mates. There will be no pressure and no hassle
Paul Nicholls reveals plans to watch the first day of the Cheltenham Festival in the pub after not declaring any runners on the opening day of the meeting

I badly wanted to get Shishkin – that's why I've got a face like a smacked bum
Ring bookmaker Barry Pinnington rues taking on Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner Shishkin, who was a marked drifter before the opening race of the festival

I hardly had a bet all day. I just cheered them home – I didn't want any extra weight on them
Leading owner JP McManus surprises the Cheltenham faithful by claiming not to have placed any significant bets during his Wednesday festival four-timer

She went out there and gave it her all, but the engine is just not working the way it used to. We might never have another like her again
Gordon Elliott confirms the retirement of the legendary 11-time Grade 1 winner Apple's Jade after her last outing in the Stayers' Hurdle

I nearly passed out and felt so faint! I would have passed out if we’d won the Ryanair!
A highly charged Harry Whittington after landing the Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate Handicap Chase with Simply The Betts

Rachael came over and congratulated me and I said to her, 'I know where you are'. It's a tough one but sing when you're winning, as Robbie Williams said!
Barry Geraghty reflects on snatching the RSA Chase from Rachael Blackmore on Minella Indo after producing Champ to score right at the death

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