IN the fields of sport, there are many individual moments in the build up to the final crescendo of victory.

Think that moment of anticipation before Salah connects with a dropping cross, the ball leaving Sexton or Clifford’s boot, goalward, straight and true. The knock-out punch connecting before the combatant drops to the canvas, the Formula 1 driver spotting how he can cut that corner for the lead. Those are the “the mare is beginning to get up.” moments, when you realise, yes, it’s going to happen, just before the final cheers of release before victory is actually sealed.