Another week of highs and lows which emphasised the joy and despair that is par for the course in horse racing.
Following Mon Mome's brilliant success in the John Smith's Grand National, Niche Market sprang another shock for the bookmakers as he landed the Powers Whiskey Irish Grand National at 33-1.
The victory gave Harry Skelton, son of Olympic show jumper Nick, the biggest winner of his young career and proved once again that when it comes to the National that no horse can be discounted.
In recent years the Irish National has been one of the best guides to the following years Aintree spectacular and punters would be foolish to rule Niche Market of completing the double.
However, while Bob Buckler was celebrating his success, connections of both Wichita Lineman and Dromconvis were left to mourn the passing of their respective charges following fatal falls in the Fairyhouse feature.
Unfortunately, their deaths marred what was a terrific run from Niche Market and underlined what a cruel sport this can be. It can provide moments of unbridled euphoria but that can all be taken away in a second.
Wichita Lineman's untimely demise brought to three the number of horses Jonjo O'Neill has lost in April. As well as losing William Hill Trophy winner Wichita Lineman, the horse who memorably provided Tony McCoy with his only winner at the Cheltenham Festival, O'Neill has had to deal with the deaths of Exotic Dancer and Fier Normand.
It is a cruel blow to the Jackdaws Castle handler and he acknowledges that he will struggle to find horses as good.
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On Tuesday the shocking news emerged that Hayley Turner would not be permitted to ride again until March 2010 with the BHA's chief medical officer Dr Michael Turner admitting that he was left with no choice but to stand her down for 12 months.
Turner, the poster girl for racing at present, was knocked unconscious during a freak accident in March and with the threat of blackouts looming over her common sense prevailed.
She hopes to appeal the decision, but Dr Turner took advice from her consultants before making his decision and it is hard to see her being successful.