The Champion Hurdle was the most extraordinarily dramatic race.

Grand Nationals are dramatic but I can't think of a race of the shortness of the Champion Hurdle that has been as dramatic as the one we had this year.

Obviously the race was marred because of the shoulder injury to Valiramix, which sadly led to him being put down.

But you just don't expect that sort of drama in the Champion Hurdle.

The mood started on a high because the meeting was on and the Irish had had the first two winners.

It then sank when Istabraq pulled up but went up again when everyone thought that Valiramix was coming through and would be the new champion but went down with his fall.

And finally it went up a little bit when Hors La Loi III won.

But the race will never be remembered for Hors La Loi III winning - it will be remembered for the fall of Istabraq and the demise of Valiramix.

I don't know how the crowd could take it - I felt emotionally drained.

Seriously, without sounding flippant, I felt exhausted.

If the Gold Cup is anything like the Champion Hurdle, we are in for a treat but it will be a nerve-jangling experience.