That was a difficult day. You might find that an unusual thing to say but it’s impossible not to recognise British racing is nursing a bloody nose midway through Cheltenham.
When you are in my position, you want to celebrate the brilliance of trainer Willie Mullins — more of that in a moment — but there was a point early on Wednesday’s card when things felt flat, as Irish horses ran amok and their English rivals vanished almost without trace.
Thank heavens for Dan Skelton, who doubled up with Langer Dan and Unexpected Party, taking the mantle from Kim Bailey on Tuesday and providing the home team with some solace.