It was decided in the Stewards’ room where Frankie Dettori persuaded them to reverse the placings and give Campanelle the race.
Even the Italian knew he was lucky but that second battle only drew the excitement out further.
Biggest flop
The Breeders’ Cup was held at Del Mar in California, a track so tight that a big-boned greyhound would struggle to get round.
And it played out like your average dog meeting with front-runners winning most of the races.
For the self-styled world championships it was a poor spectacle. Maybe hold it at Monmore Green next year – it’s a more galloping track.
One thing we hope we never see again
Racecourses with no crowds is the obvious one, but it would be nice not to see leading trainers giving peace signs while sitting on dead horses too.
What we look forward to the most in 2022
I can’t wait for next year’s Champion Chase and hope the main players all get there in one piece. The thought of Shiskin crossing swords with Energumene keeps you warm on many a dark night.
Jack Keene
Best jockey
William Buick pushed Oisin Murphy all the way in the jockeys’ race and won 12 Group 1 races around the world. He was dominant.
Best ride
Bryony Frost’s front-running ride aboard Frodon to win at Down Royal in October, against the back-drop of the bullying scandal, was epic.
Best race
Poetic Flare won a thriller in the 2000 Guineas back in May, beating Master Of The Seas by a short-head with Lucky Vega just a neck away in third.
Biggest flop
Bolshoi Ballet was billed as Aidan O’Brien’s next superstar going into the Derby, but he was well-beaten and became a massive disappointment.
One thing we hope we never see again
The Frost-Dunne bullying saga has brought shame on the sport. Hopefully things are going to change for the better going forward.
What we look forward to the most in 2022
A couple of Charlie Appleby-trained monsters who could dominate on the Flat – namely Coroebus and Native Trail – and crowds returning to the Cheltenham Festival.
Callum Jamieson
Best jockey
Marco Ghiani. A breath of fresh air on and off the track, the young Italian was champion apprentice and heads into his first full turf season without a claim. That shouldn’t stop him continuing his rise.
Best ride
Adam Wedge. Secret Reprieve’s Welsh National win had the lot. A broken rein, a jockey that had suffered two nasty tumbles and a Welsh-trained winner.
Best race
Cotswold Chase. One time the lack of crowds really hit home.
Can you imagine the ovation former Gold Cup champ Native River would have got for kicking up the Sandown hill and providing the Tizzards with a rare moment to savour in a horrible 2021.
Biggest flop
Santa Barbara. Yes she won two Grade 1s, but we were told repeatedly she was the best thing since sliced bread. Her season was a damp squib when it mattered.
One thing we hope we never see again
Bullying and bickering. The Robbie Dunne saga was ugly from start to finish and might not be done if an appeal is lodged. And for God’s sake, can trainers, owners and the BHA just grow up, put your egos aside and get on.
What we look forward to the most in 2022
Cheltenham. After last year’s Festival Oasis, the crowds will be back at Prestbury Park like never before (hopefully).
The Brits look to have a stronger team going into March and let’s hope this means things are more competitive on the track, too.
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