As Irish racing marked its return on Monday as Covid-19 sporting restrictions begin to be eased, it was a different experience than usual for trainer Jessica Harrington.
While she could enjoy winners with Lucky Vega in the second race of the day and Punita Arora in the Committed Stakes, Harrington was not able to attend in person due to age restrictions which are part of the current safety protocols and apply to those aged over 70.
"It's just not being there to sort of just get the vibe - the vibe off the horse, the vibe off the jockey - and that's a bit strange," the 73-year-old told RTÉ 2fm's Game On of a return to action that has been "so far, so good" on the results front.
"In between races I couldn't sit and watch the other races. I had to go and do a bit more work in the garden."
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In terms of planning race tactics with today's jockey, it was more of a light touch from the trainer: "I basically leave it up to him. He's the one there. I've trained them, he's got to ride them and he's got to ride them how he feels them because things can change."
The impact of the coronavirus pandemic has also condensed the racing calendar, with the first of the Classics at The Curragh already just around the corner.
"It's getting very exciting. It's just been such a funny year [because] normally this excitement is spread out and you have a building up and disappointments," said Harrington.
"This year, it's all coming in one go. It's like you've been suddenly let into the sweet shop and you have to grab as much as you can."
And next up for Harrington is Leopardstown on Tuesday with the trainer confirming that she has six runners in line for the racecard.
