Tim and I arrived for our first ever visit to Epsom in good time and after having a quick look round made our way to the O/T bar, which for anyone who hasn't been, it has to be the quaintest of O/T facilities anywhere. The Bar, Cafeteria and Champange Lounge are situated in what I would describe as an old colonial style house just past the winning post, very pretty.

We were eventually joined by Kath, Liam and Kath's parents, who had all endured a three and a half hour journey on the dreaded M25 and just missed the first race. A short time later we were joined by Chris and David and we discussed our hopes for Muffin's run

. After the first race we managed to grab a few words with Stuart as he was making his way to the parade ring for 'Our Picadilly's' appearance in the second in which she achieved third place with Louis Philippe on board.

After a few drinks and complimentary sandwiches, and having had zero success in the preceeding races, it was finally time for us to meet Muffin in the parade ring. He looked great as always. Stuart had already spoken to Louis who had said that he didn't think there was a lot of pace in the race, so the idea was to see how it panned out, but if the pace was lacking, to run Muffin prominently from the off and to take the race on if necessary. We made our way to the stand and as soon as they went off it became apparent that Muffin and Twilight Star were going to make the running and were virtually neck and neck up to Tattenham corner, where they both entered the straight side by side. They then continued to widen the gap between themselves and the remaining runners coming up to the 2f pole where Muffin began to pull ahead by half a length or so. It was at this point that the screaming began and we were all calling Muffin home to what we were sure was going to be a well earned victory, but, out of the pack came Spirit of Sharjah who in the last 50 yds managed to snatch the race by half a length.

Although Muffin hadn't won, I don't think any of us felt disappointed after such a cracking effort, indeed it felt to us like a winning performance and I think Muffin felt the same as he was certainly very pleased with himself afterward. This was clearly his best performance so far this season, and hopefully he will be the better for it.

After hugs and kisses with both horse and Jockey, Stuart joined us for one last drink in the Bar before we all made our way home.

Huge thanks as ever to Team Kittow, Louis and Muffin, looking forward to the next one.

Thanks for Listening.

Jackie