It’s the only place in the world you can’t hear yourself

THE 2002 Champion Hurdle is remembered in this country for the fact that Istabraq was pulled up by Charlie Swan when chasing a record-breaking fourth win in the race, and immediately retired.

In an incident-packed event, the Martin Pipe-trained Valiramix clipped the heels of future Galway Plate hero, Ansar, and had to be put down after breaking a leg.

The fact that Hors La Loi III won at odds of 10/1 was almost forgotten in the aftermath but it was a glorious day of redemption for jockey Dean Gallagher.