It was right on the winning line in a stand that no longer exists and I was offered it; it was a box for 12 with the dining room out of the back - I think we got about 42 people into the box! Wherever this broadcast was coming from, I don't know, but I watched the whole meeting daring not to touch the remote control! In 1935 Down had qualified as an officer and was commissioned into the 7th/9th Battalion, Royal Scots.

I have spanned golden years and I have lived through the matchless age of Champion Hurdles with Sea Pigeon, Night Nurse, Monks Field doing battle over the years and I’ve seen the Kauto Star and Denman years; and the Best Mate years - I’ve been very lucky. As he passed the post, I hoarsely borrowed a few quid from a mate and we went to the bar to fusillade a few corks. Down commanded a platoon in the Battle of Sidi Barrani in December 1940 and lost his right eye in the engagement. We had satellite tv, mainly French and I had no way of watching Cheltenham, except on this particular Friday.PPB Counterparty Services Limited, Betfair Casino Limited and PPB Entertainment Limited are licensed and regulated in Great Britain by the Gambling Commission under account numbers 39439, 39435 and 39426. I have seen it grow up alongside me, heard its laughter, felt its tears, revelled in its affections and, as you do with those you love, forgiven plenty of shortcomings and the days it let you down. It didn’t make for easy viewing; you wouldn’t be able to have it now, the public wouldn’t stand for it.

The Racing Post is the UK's leading horse racing publication, and now we also offer a wide range of merchandise for horse racing fans. Cheltenham has been made easier over the years and many, many more ways than it has been publicised - but rightly so, and we are still making innovations, like after last year’s four miler - which was a bit like the refute from Moscow but without Napoleon. Alastair combines his love of National Hunt Racing with a very pieces that have amused me for years.I don’t really have major fancies for the big races, I tend to play in the handicaps, and every runner remember, has been planning to win these races for eight or nine months. On recovering after an over-indulgent day at Longchamp: ‘I just wish to be left alone with my thoughts and sincere hopes that my liver, which I mailed home by separate refrigerated container, will arrive soon.