'I've always said this horse is the apple of my eye. I promise you, you've not seen anywhere near his best'

The best quotes from the racing world this week . . .

Some people get addicted to things. You can get addicted to smoking or to this or to that, but if people get addicted to something it's a case of helping them out and getting them through it. What about the other 99 or 95 per cent of people? Don't take it away from them.
Aidan O'Brien speaks out in defence of punters in light of Ireland's Gambling Regulation Bill

'It's getting people through life, and it's positive' - Aidan O'Brien defends racing's relationship with betting

The long-term aim would be the festival. I've always said this horse is the apple of my eye, everything he does at home pleases Dad and I. I promise you, you've not seen anywhere near his best.
Willy Twiston-Davies is full of praise for Potters Charm after an impressive victory at Cheltenham's Showcase meeting

'We haven't had one like him for a while' - Cheltenham winner emerges as festival contender for team Twiston-Davies 

People think a nice horse is the one that goes fastest from the bottom to the top, but the really good ones don't blow you away in the mornings, they're just consistently good every day. They always jump well, always jump the same, they're straightforward, they eat, they sleep, they’re not stupid – and they have a presence. Horses like Clan Des Obeaux and Bravemansgame.
Champion jockey Harry Cobden discusses past and future stars in the Big Jump Off

'The doctor said take it steady - what's he on about? I'll be straight back knocking them in' 

It's a sad, sombre feeling this morning. John was a big influence on my career – he was the first person to give me half a chance. When I was champion conditional, I probably rode most winners for him. I have nothing but admiration for him. He loved his racing, loved his horses. He loved people and people loved him.
Brian Hughes pays tribute to popular northern owner John Wade following his death at age 80

'You'd struggle to find anyone with a bad word for him' - notable northern jumping figure John Wade dies at 80 

Marie's Rock: was retired this weekCredit: Alan Crowhurst

You've never seen any racehorse carry its head higher than she did everyday. It almost looked rather unnatural, but she did all her work and schooling that way, and you'd ask yourself how could she even see a hurdle.
Nicky Henderson recalls Cheltenham Festival winner Marie's Rock's unique running style following her retirement

'She was special in every single way' - Nicky Henderson announces retirement of Cheltenham Festival winner Marie's Rock 

The last 24 hours have been stressful but I feel better after that. It has been an unbelievable experience. They love their racing here and it has been fantastic to be part of it. We were competitive, which is really all we could have asked.
Harry Eustace reflects on Docklands' fifth-place finish in the Cox Plate behind the imperious Via Sistina

 'It was a Winx-like performance' - Via Sistina shrugs off workout drama to smash course record in Cox Plate

Winning was not only appreciation for me, but for everyone in the yard too. I need them, Charlie needs them, we can't do this without them. A lot more people feel able to come up to me and ask for help now, even those who might be more reserved, and it encouraged people to improve and push themselves in their career. It's changed my life
Cheryl Armstrong shares the impact of winning the leadership prize at last year's Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards. 

'All anyone wants is a pat on the back and these awards show you mean something to the yard and the people there. It's brilliant'  

He said he'd retire after his next winner but gets one and comes back in and says I've got a few more rides this week! He got beaten a nose at Chelmsford last week when he had all the weighing room cheering for him, you should've seen the looks Marco Ghiani got after he did him.
David Egan jokes about Jimmy Quinn's impending retirement after the 57-year-old jockey won at Yarmouth

57 not out! Britain's oldest jockey Jimmy Quinn delays retirement party after first winner of the year  

Read these next:

'He's not called Hotazhell for nothing' - feisty colt gives Jessica Harrington last British Group 1 of the year 

How do you see next year's Classics following the Futurity Trophy at Doncaster? 

Alastair Down 'chuffed to bits' as Cheltenham press room is named after him - and he reveals his favourite moment from almost 50 years attending 

The Racing Post is now available to follow on WhatsApp channels!

Follow Racing Post Insider on WhatsApp and you can now start receiving messages and alerts for the latest news, tips, insights, live reactions and much more. Click the group link and get Racing Post notifications straight to your phone via WhatsApp.