0040: And so it's time to draw proceedings to an end. I hope you've found one or two useful titbits that have pointed you towards a winner. I haven't made enough to retire, but the plane fare and the hotel are covered and that's all you can hope for when you're a distinctly non-professional punter like me. Arnie presented the winning trophy for the Breeders' Cup Classic to John Gosden but he didn't say 'I'll be back'. So I'll say it for him. Until the next time...

0035: The 9-2 offered by William Hill about Goldikova winning the Mile again next year makes only marginally more appeal than the 10-1 about Muhannak taking the Marathon again. Will there even be another Marathon next year? Graham Cunningham has a theory that next year it will be called the Breeders' Cup Snickers.

0026: 'Gozza' says he will remember this day for the rest of his life. He's not the only one. I'm sorry that Curlin didn't quite fire, but I thought Frankie gave the winner a very good ride and there were a number of other particularly memorable performances from the European contingent during the evening, most spectacularly (for me) that of Goldikova, but also from Conduit, Muhannak and Donatavium. I'm not sure the home team will be looking forward to taking on the Europeans on this surface in 12 months' time though. I wonder what the fall-out will be in the longer term.

0024: Thank you for all of the emails, even the ones from my creditors emerging from the woodwork. As you probably gathered, I had only a smallish share in the perm, but I did at least have the pleasure of a) putting together the perm and b) being the one who persuaded a number of my friends to get involved with me.

0022: The only other time I have been cheering on Raven's Pass this season was in the Guineas. I thought they ought to drop him back in trip and go for the July Cup. So, so wrong.

0020: Henrythenavigator and Duke of Marmalade have both been retired to stud. A night of near-misses for Ballydoyle.

0015: An outstanding run from Henrythenavigator in second too. I'm sorry if you backed him, hope you got some of the place money. Niall says he's been sacked for reading sportinglife.com at work instead of monitoring flights. I hope they forgive you soon Niall. If anyone's feeling worse than you (sacked and done for the money in the Classic) it must be Jimmy Fortune. For those of you who don't know Fortune made it clear in an interview on Channel Four this afternoon that he was asked to step aside for Frankie by Sheikh Mohammed's people, but that he agreed it was the "right decision". I just hope someone sees him right. I'm sure they will.

0010: Yes, yes, I'm still here. Have you ever been one of only about 12 people cheering in a crowd of 50,000? I have.

2353: Curlin earned a round of applause as he went past with a circuit to go.

2352: Unto the breach, dear friends. Good luck one and all.

2350: We interrupt this programme... to tell you that Juande Ramos has been sacked. No shocks there then.

2348: People are talking in hushed voices. There is a real sense that something is about to happen. It's a real pleasure to be here and see for myself what it is. For what it's worth (probably nothing), we have Curlin, Tiago and Raven's Pass to cheer on in the Pick-6. If either of the last two-named win, we might just make a few quid.

2347: There is an incredible atmosphere here as the field go to post for the Classic. There has been so much bet into the tote on Curlin that the scoreboard has run out of digits and just displays '******'. The prices on the European runners have compacted, but will still represent decent value if you think it might be a landslide.

2322: Sorry Niall, you're still waiting for the first Irish winner. Who'd have thought we'd get four on the board without Aidan managing one. But if you get it here, Niall, at least you'll be getting a decent price.

2312: First show for the Classic, as promised. Curlin is the 4-5 favourite, Colonel John and Casino Drive 7-1 and Go Between 8-1. Duke of Marmalade is 10-1, Raven's Pass is 22-1 and Henrythenavigator is 24-1. They don't like it up'em, you know.

2310: As far as I'm concerned, Ryan Moore can swear at me all he likes. Just keep riding like that and all is forgiven. He's the foul-mouthed fury; the potty-mouthed prince. And second for Eagle Mountain too. This truly is the greatest game in the world.

2300: I promised myself that I wouldn't play up my winnings on the last two races. I am sorry to say that I have now broken my promise.

2252: Conduit very much on his toes in the preliminaries. I consider this to be a positive with Conduit, who has had an easier season than some of these rivals. Eagle Mountain down to 9-1 on the tote. Did you all have to ruin my price?

2248: Have I mentioned how hot it is? It's really hot. I don't say this to make you jealous, I offer it as a point of information. The press buffet is down to the bare bones but the latest break in the wi-fi service enabled me to pay a first visit of the day. Only some garnish was left along with some bread rolls. I ended up with an impromptu red onion sandwich and frankly I was grateful for it.

2245: Pacemaking is a dirty word in Europe at the moment, but over here they love it. A 17-race maiden in the Breeders' Cup Turf? No worries.

2240: Running for the Pick-6 in the next are Conduit, Soldier of Fortune, Eagle Mountain and Winchester. Go on my sons. I'm pretty sure that most of you will have backed at least one of these (apart from Matt, who says Grand Couturier will silence the Europeans). I thought Conduit looked magnificent this week, although I'm not convinced by the worth of his St Leger form. Connections are supposed to be quite confident, although the same could definitely be said of Soldier of Fortune and Eagle Mountain.

2237: Arnie's on his way apparently. That should be exciting. How do you bet on him saying 'I'll be back' again?

2233: Yes Daniel, I will do my best to put up the odds for the Classic as soon as they appear. In the Turf, Soldier of Fortune is the 6-4 favourite with the quietly-supported Grand Couturier at 5-1 and Red Rocks and Conduit at 6-1. Eagle Mountain, as I suspected, is an incredibly-tempting 12-1 on the American tote.

2230: By the way, I had that Midnight Lute in the Pick-6. Just two races stand between me (and all the other people who have managed to get four short-priced and easy-to-find winners) and two-million dollars. Ideally, however much we win I will get enough paid out in one-dollar bills to ensure that I can pour them all over my bed and make an angel shape in them.

2228: Thw wi-fi here is about as reliable as US Ranger.

2215: Donativum's victory cannot have made Jimmy Fortune feel any better about that ridiculous ban he picked up at Nottingham for dropping his hands. I'm not sure if I hope Raven's Pass wins or not now.

2208: Greetings to Niall, who has my great sympathy in working the night shift at Dublin airport tonight. He wants to know whether Ireland are going to join in the party and get on the scoreboard. They sort of already have done with Pat Smullen on Muhanak, I suppose, but I wonder if Soldier of Fortune might be the one. We've got the Sprint to worry about first though.

2205: My lawyers have asked me to point that the Panama hat is actually of Ecuadorian origin. Therefore it's more of a victory for Ecuadorian fashion than British fashion.

2202: John Gosden is a journalist's dream. Everything he says has an air of authority. He'd be a brilliant salesman.

2200: Donativium is being used in the press conference as a great example of what can be achieved when you have your jewels removed. Frankly, I'm not sure I'm convinced.

2157: About 10 feet to my right is a lady wearing sparkly glasses who is sat in the 'home' section of the media area. In front of her she has assembled four teddies of varying size and species who are positioned so that they have the best possible view of the racing. In fact, I've just glanced over to check that she's still there and she gave me a 'What are you looking at?' look. I don't know what more to say really.

2154: Isn't it funny how that sales race form suddenly seemed about 100 times better after Crowded House had taken the Racing Post Trophy earlier? I'm so caught up in the spirit of goodwill and European dominance that I've even forgiven Frankie for his ride on Sixties Icon.

2152: Oh all right. We had three in that race. They came first, second and third. When you're hot, you're on fire.

2150: What? The Pick Six? You're not interested in that, are you?

2140: Panamas in the air - Donativum has beaten Westphalia for a Euro one-two. A victory for British fashion despite the intense heat.

2135: It's reached 90 degrees now. Cash Asmussen is here with his wife Cheryl who trains City Style in this. He is in a mauve shirt and not a bead of sweat.

2122: John Gosden is wearing a wonderful Panama, waving the flag for classic British hats.

2116: Celebrities galore here. Mel Brooks, Kurt Russell, Bo Derek three of the more recognisable. So is the bloke from Northern Exposure who was also in Sex In The City. Used to date Carrie but lost out to "Big". Wouldn't we all?

2113: Ferguson says it's "possible" the winner may be seen in Dubai.

2112: John Ferguson uses the phrase "so excited" three times in his ESPN interview. Team Darley seem pleased.

2102: A decent result for John Best too. They've sold a decent horse who will do much to advance his stable's reputation, but they haven't sold a Breeders' Cup winner for much less than what he could have been worth had he won. Midshipman is quoted at 12-1 by William Hill for next year's Kentucky Derby.

2100: Well, well, well. How they used to laugh at me and my 'crazy' exotics. Well, who's laughing now?

2057: Square Eddie, Midshipman, Street Hero and Bushranger in the Pick-6. I fear the worst. But then I always do.

2055: Freddie Head: "She was training very well. She got a bit more nervous coming in the van from the airport to the track but after that I was happy. She had a spin for two furlongs yesterday which I was really pleased with. In the parade ring, she had a real glow and was looking very relaxed. The only time she has been beaten the going was very soft. She's very fast and I think that's why she does well here. The set off fast and they go."

2032: Sounds like she does stay in training.

2030: Square Eddie the 5-2 favourite for the Juvenile with Midhsipman next at 7-2. Could Kempton get another boost as the home of future Breeders' Cup champions with the favourite?

2025: Fascinating to know whether she will stay in training and come back to win this again in a year's time. She looked fantastic in the paddock and looks even better now. Kip Deville's effort really franks the form too.

2022: Considering how hard she was pulling in the early stages, that was a fine performance. When Olivier asked her to quicken at the furlong-pole, it was one of the most impressive short bursts of speed I have seen in a Breeders' Cup race.

2020: He might as well have had the full English.

2005: It's getting hot now. But all of the runners in the Mile seem to be taking the warm weather in their stride. Goldikova looks fantastic. Oh Olivier, I wish you hadn't had that extra croissant for breakfast.

2002: Is it just me or the good old days of ridiculous prices on the pari-mutuel over now? It seems that the Americans finally respect the Europeans now. Could there ever be another Arcuanges or even another Domedriver?

2000: It's the start of the 'Ultra Pick 6' pool with US$2million-and-rising to be won. I am involved. If we can just get through the first, I'll be happy. Come on Goldikovaand Kip Deville.

1943: Goldikova 9-5 on the tote. Last year's winner Kip Deville 7-2 second-favourite in a race in which repeat runners have a pretty good record. Although the Mile is traditionally one of the most competitive races of the Breeders' Cup, I really am struggling to see beyond the first two in the betting.

1940: I would like to clarify to my wife (in case she is reading this) (who has told me that she thinks I am a heart attack waiting to happen) that I haven't actually had a chilli and cheese dog so far today. Instead I had an apple from the fruit bowl on the reception desk at the hotel.

1938: Albertus Maximus comprehensively reverses recent form with Well Armed and gives the exotically-named trainer Vladimir Cerin his biggest-ever victory. After yesterday proved a day to be with the favourites, many punters will already be licking their wounds after today's first three races.

1926: There is European interest in the Dirt Mile. Lord Admiral runs for Ireland. I blame the chilli and cheese dogs.

1923: No European interest in the Dirt Mile. Sounds a bit like a red light district.

1910: Diabolical stays in training. Presume he will be heading back here for next year's Turf Sprint. Hope to be here myself - providing the chilli and cheese dog team continue to weave their magic.

1906: That's a first Breeders' Cup victory for jockey Richard Migliore. Pat Smullen was also a first-time winner in the opener. It's a night for virgins in Santa Anita.

1904: The winner paid $75 here yet trainer David Hoffmans expected him to win! He seems to have kept it to himself.

1900: Desert Code springs the second biggest surprise in Breeders' Cup history by cutting down Diabolical. Bet Frankie Dettori is a pleasure to be around just now.

1850: I was a bit disappointed that Ralph Beckett didn't mention our breakfast meeting in the press conference. I'm sure it was just an oversight.

1848: Plenty of racegoers appeared to skip the Marathon and the stands are a lot fuller now.

1845: I can't have Mr Nightlinger here and I'm not surprised to see him drifting on-course having been favourite with the British bookies in the build-up to the race. Surely he can't get out from stall 14 and get past 13 horses on his inside? At the prices I have a funny feeling that Only Answer might run well for Andre 'The Fox' Fabre. Her best efforts have all come on this sort of ground, as befitting her pedigree and although her stamina for this trip is a worry, you can afford to find out at 20-1-plus.

1837: I don't want to blow my own trumpet, but I think I may possibly have recommended a small each-way on Muhannak at the start of the week. Just a small one mind. But it'll do.

1835: "With all due respect to the Americans, only winning the Derby would be better than winning the Oaks but this comes a very, very good second and it has capped an amazing year - a year which I couldn't have dreamt off." - Beckett.

1825: I don't like blaming jockeys but I can't help but feel that Sixties Icon probably should have won that. Frankie Dettori went from second gear to fifth in one go once he lost his ground on the turn and the horse just couldn't do it with that injection of sudden pressure. A wider route around the outside and I reckon it might have been a different story for a horse whose breathing issues will always mean he is happiest travelling on the bridle.

1820: First show through for the Turf Sprint. Fleeting Spirit the 4-1 favourite for Jeremy Noseda and Johnny Murtagh.

1817: Trained by Mick Easterby when he won a Chester handicap back in June, Muhannak is nowunbeaten in three starts for Ralph Beckett and becomes the second Breeders' Cup winner to have scored at Kempton on his way here with Ventura also successful on the Polytrack there. Already the Americans are starting to murmur about the Europeans having an advantage on the synthetic surface.

1815: Incredible. My first celebrity blog reader has just won a Breeders' Cup race. What a result. Agony for Sixties Icon backers though as he met every bit of trouble going around the home turn.

1810: You know how I feel about Sixties Icon, namely that it was a hell of a bet at 3-1 earlier this week. But just as always, as the race draws nearer I am starting to sweat. Could the absence of Add Heat take out too much of the early pace? Sixties Icon will appreciate a decent test around this mile and a half. A crawl could compromise his prospects.

1750: I can't stop thinking about that 2lb overweight for Peslier. I hope we're not still talking about it in a couple of hours' time.

1747: I ended up talking right the way through the national anthem, a crime in America considered on a par with murdering the Queen. It wasn't my fault though. Honest.

1745: Thanks to everyone who has been in contact already, asking for a plug for their Breeders' Cup party or passing on tips and news. I look forward to hearing from more of you as the day goes on. Sixties Icon has opened at 8-5 favourite for the (cough) Marathon, officially the least-valuable race in the 25-year history of the Breeders' Cup. I wonder whether having attracted two British runners for a US$500,000 race, officials might be tempted to take the scissors to the prize-money pools of some of the other races.

1735: As documented elsewhere in the news section, Add Heat is out of the Marathon and Cry and Cost of Freedom misses the Sprint. The going is officially 'Pro-Ride' on the Pro-Ride on 'firm' on the Turf.

1730: He should have gone for a run this morning, like Johnny Murtagh is doing (AGAIN) right now. Johnny's switched to the turf course today, having been on the Pro-Ride all week until now. Is this a sign?

1720: It's Fatty Peslier's turn to put up 2lb of overweight today. Could that make the difference to Goldikova's chances?

1706: I always seem to get put in charge of sorting out the money. It's a bit like putting a bear in charge of a honey delivery, but so far I've not been tempted to pocket the cash and forget the bet. So far.

1705: Just been putting the Pick Six perm together for the British journalists. This year we hope to make it pass the first.

1634: We all sit down again. It was the rehearsal.

1633: We all stand for the National Anthem.

1630: There's something distinctly surreal about walking into a racecourse at 8am to find line upon line of smiling Tote staff, a stack of sizzling hot dogs and a man touting bottles of beer. But this is no normal raceday, it's the 2008 Breeders' Cup and the usual banquet of top-class racing has this year been stretched out into the feast. Yesterday witnessed popular wins for the well-backed likes of Zenyatta, Stardom Bound and Ventura. Will today see more of the same as Curlin bids to land the Classic for the second year running and can 'team Europe' (supplemented by some dubious additional team members from Dubai and South Africa) get a score on the board? I can't wait to find out...