THIS weekend has always been one that I approach with mixed emotions. My father died on Halloween night, so personally it is a time to look back and remember him, his achievements and his legacy.

It is also usually the weekend when the racing seasons collide, the end of the flat season on the turf at Naas, and the arrival, with some fanfare, of high-quality National Hunt racing at Down Royal. Thankfully I will be at both fixtures this weekend, and hopefully will celebrate the success of champions at each venue.