Reasons to be cheerful

I am always pleasantly surprised that I do not feel a sense of let down, of after the Lord Mayor's show, at the end of the Cheltenham Festival.

It was a good week, with some great performances - notably Honeysuckle, Tiger Roll, Rachael Blackmore, The Shunter and Henry de Bromhead. Of course it was a such a pity the crowd were not there. The roar from the Irish cheering home these wonders would have been heard in Bristol.

Punting wise Flooring Porter in the stayers meant I can afford a takeaway kebab this evening. He was given a really well-judged ride by late substitute Danny (yet another) Mullins.

Frodon jumped exuberantly in the Gold Cup but as feared did not stay. I suspect he would have won the Ryanair had he gone for that but I understand why the owners had a go at the blue riband event.

I backed Minella Indo in last year's RSA (pipped on the line) and at Leapoardstown at Christmas (fell) but - like Racael Blakemore with her one mistake of the week - inevitably left him alone as he won the big race.

The main reason for the lack of a let down feeling is that I like the Midlands National at Uttoxeter. Old (and some youngish) handicappers in a proper staying chase. My affection is no doubt in part due to backing the original talking horse Mr Ed when he won in 1993. I think I selected him because I followed the trainer, Roger Curtis, and the jockey, Derek Morris, for reasons that I can no longer recall. In addition the race is sponsored by Marstons and Pedigree is one of my favourite beers.

Today I will probably back Achille (a rare Venetia Williams chaser which might prefer better ground) and Prime Venture (in this case in spite of the jockey) and even if they lose, remember tomorrow is the first day of spring and the Lincoln is just 7 days away.