So we reach October, and the next two Saturdays see the passing of the seasons, whatever the weather may hold it was just totally bizarre when honoured with the chance of race commentating at The Curragh last Monday to work from the gantry in shirt sleeves and looking straight into the sun!
Its prize-giving Saturday for QIPCO Champions Day at Ascot this weekend- world class racing and a salute to Champion Jockeys Jim Crowley- an outsider last March but a worthy winner, and Jospehine Gordon the Apprentice Champion.
And a week later the unique buzz of the Road to Cheltenham beckons- I haven’t dared pick up the phone to ask that ever helpful Racing Director Simon Claisse how much water he has had to apply to get the track in its usual carpetesque condition. Worryingly it starts with jockeys Sam Twiston-Davies and Henry Brooke in hospital recovering from injuries. Fingers crossed they make a rapid return.
But with all respect to what’s to come I have already had my October moment. That came at Limerick Racecourse last Sunday as Caroline, widow of John Thomas McNamara stood alongside me as MC on the podium after the running of the Munster National in his honour with their three wonderful young children Dylan,Harry and Olivia alongside her.
The applause from the crowds in salute of them and JT will live long in the memory.
And a sport that this month has, or will, offer something for everyone.
By Mike Vince