Bella Medici gives Mark another first: training three generations of fillies to win (grand dam Medway, dam Missouri & filly Bella Medici)
2008 winners relaxed and picked grass (Blimey O'Riley and Gee Dee Nen)
Mark kept the routine for the horses varied
And we had an interview with Dame Judi Dench:
Smokey Oakey waiting for the polos (from left to right: Brenda Agar, Dame Judi Dench, Bryan Agar, (lad and work rider) Shaun, Smokey & Mark)
"I was first introduced to Dame Judi at Goodwood a few years ago," said Mark. "She absolutely loves horses and has done so from a young age. She is also a Yorkshire lady so obviously we would get on, wouldn't we! She is such a lovely person and I am very lucky to be able to train for someone who is so rightly adored by the nation."
Your favourite time of the day: Just before lunch
Your favourite time of the year: Spring
Your favourite place: Scotland
Your favourite book / author: The Magus - John Fowles
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up: Ballet dancer
Your best sporting moment: Winning the high jump at school
Your favourite racehorse and why: Smokey Oakey - guess why!
Your favourite racecourse and why: Goodwood - Glorious by name and nature
Your best day's racing: At Chantilly when I was very young
Your main goal in life: To keep on working!
If you had one wish what would it be: To actually be there when Smokey runs!