Doom and gloom for Nicky Henderson - but the Cheltenham Festival can still provide salvation

There was an arresting image posted on social media in the last week or so which may sum up the feelings of many racing fans as they battle with the present pre-Cheltenham tumult.

On one side there was the Racing Post form of Willie Mullins’ horses over the last two weeks – winner after winner all lined up like super soldiers displaying the enviable and unrivalled talent within his yard.

On the other side sat the Racing Post form of runners from Nicky Henderson’s yard – a delinquent bunch, many of whom had been pulled up. Pee-ew seemed an apposite term.