'It was devastating – but as a leader you've got to stand up, pick everyone else up and take them forward with you'

There is a nod to Jamie Snowden's military past in how efficiently the operation at Folly House runs. Less than five minutes after arriving at his base in Lambourn, fresh coffee, crispy bacon and buttery scrambled eggs have all been served. When he said to come for breakfast at 8am, that is exactly what he meant.   

With a runner at Exeter later in the day he wants to be on the road by 9.30am, yet even with one more lot to supervise on the gallops and a Racing Post reporter and photographer to satisfy, Snowden is unflappable, effortlessly finding time for everything and everyone before jumping in the horsebox bound for the south-west right on schedule. 

Snowden has an assured touch at the controls of a stable that has been on a steady rise since he and wife Lucy moved there 13 years ago. Even as he bides his time waiting for the dry weather to relent, he has managed to bank more than £250,000 in prize-money for the current campaign over jumps and there is some notable artillery to deploy when the rain does arrive.