Sam Thomas, number-one jockey at Paul Nicholls stable, has just taken over from Ruby Walsh, who is recovering from surgery to remove his spleen.

It was the same story a year ago.  Ruby injured his shoulder riding at Cheltenham. Sam stepped in  to replace him.

Will the horses notice the difference?  Maybe. Ruby, one of racing’s great stylists, is known for sitting still and arriving late. Sam, however, tends to rely more on tactics.