Simpson’s success, tears and cheers

It's currently 9am the day after the World Cup and I am up looking out at the rain pelting on the windows which isn't doing a great deal of good for my well-being.

At least the rain didn't materialise as much as forecast the day before. After so much build-up and anticipation I now have the feeling there isn't a lot to look forward to after signing off at Nad Al Sheba for the final time.

I suppose there is always the Grand National meeting this weekend to keep me occupied, but it seems such a far cry from what was an amazing day last Saturday.

It couldn't have started any better when Rod Simpson almost reduced me to tears during a post-race interview after Fryvolous provided an emotional win in the Kahayla Classic. Even the hardened Jason Ford admitted he had a lump in his throat.

I mentioned in this column last week that if anyone deserved a winner on the big night, it was Daragh O'Donohoe and thankfully, after an up-and-down season, it all came right in the end.

A massive well done to all concerned. During the season I've been lucky enough to have interviewed several members of racing's hierarchy.

However, the privilege was all mine when I was handed the opportunity to speak to His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, not once, but on two occasions.

The most recent was on Saturday, and after celebrating the triumphs of Regal Ransom and Two Step Salsa, he was clearly in a jubilant mood which was aided further when Ahmad Ajtebi clocked the first of his two successes for rookie handler Mubarak Bin Shafya.

A prodigy of Shaikh Mohammad, who has been instrumental in the jockey's rise through the weighing-room ranks, he was a proud man. Frankie Dettori may have to watch his back.

EASY PASSAGE

It was also good to be able to enter the racecourse in efficient fashion after the palaver of 12 months ago. Numbers were reduced this year which obviously helped keep racegoers flowing, although I wish the driver of the shuttle bus I was on had known the correct entrance he was supposed to arrive at. Waiting 30 minutes in a bus going nowhere did give me extra time to research any missed form however.

Stop griping

The organisers who hastily rearranged the pre-World Cup Arabian Nights event at the Trade Centre last week in the face of inclement weather deserve a hard pat on the back. I know there was no desert around, but it was definitely the best solution.

Those who had the audacity to complain about what for many was a very enjoyable and well-organised evening might like to remember that on occasions things don't go according to plan. I suppose they could ask for a refund, but then again those moaning probably didn't even pay for their ticket in the first place.