AWAKENING for work on Monday mornings are not usually greeted with much enthusiasm. There are brighter days ahead the weather bulletin said. ‘Bout time, you mutter. Then Brighterdaysahead also leads the sports news. The big Champion Hurdle clash is on! Mid-week doubts about Lossiemouth cast a little haze over proceedings, but it still promises to be a helluva race.

Constitution Hill, hailed an outstanding champion two years ago and one of the best hurdlers in 50 years, returns to regain the Champion Hurdle title and maintain his unbeaten record.