John Francome says Hurricane Fly has got to be a knocking each-way bet

"I made money nearly every day last year," John Francome begins before delivering the punchline with precision timing.

“Nearly on Tuesday, nearly on Wednesday…” Cue howls of laughter. It’s a sign of things to come.

The venue is the Woodlands Hotel in Waterford for the Cheltenham preview night that trumps most, if not all, others.