1800: So I head home from day three skint, tired and hungry after the pie disaster of lunchtime.

All is not lost though. There's a day still to go after all.

I will give myself a brush down, a talking to and develop a new betting strategy ready to haul myself off the ropes on the final day.

It sounds good and I hope it works.

Otherwise it will be a sulky, wreck of a diarist who types his final message on Friday.

1740: Decided I need to be more positive, this was beginning to read like a suicide note. There's always tomorrow. Fancy one in the Triumph too.

1710: David Williams of Ladbrokes says this has been their best day for many-a-year. I sense I'm not the only one who has given up betting and is turning to drink.

1650: No drink, no time. Videos need doing. May ask for a fee to replace the cash lost thus far.

1645: Feel much calmer in myself now I've given up betting for the day. You are able to take more in, enjoy the finer things in life. I'm off for a drink.

1620: I've officially given up betting and roving for the day. Someone has just set off a fire alarm and I'm getting one of my heads.

1610: I've had some bad ideas in my time but whoever came up with the ruse of having Lesley Graham dress up as various women of racing for Channel Four has outdone me. I didn't see her Jenny Pitman, although I'm assured the leopard print hat was something else, but her Anne Duchess Of Westminster reminded me of my old dinner lady at junior school. She didn't try to do the voices though, very half-hearted that.

1545: The crowd is now quite lively, just as I'm off roving. I've looked at the clouds and should have time to sample the delights of the Guinness Village before the snow arrives.

1540: There has been a good word all day for Tikram. Given my seconditus I've backed him each-way. What price he finishes fifth?

1522: Oh joy another second. Wonder if you can actually back your selection to fill that spot rather than win?

1505: Forgot the whisper for Overstrand and haven't backed that one. A good sign for those who did.

1455: Mighty Man for me in the World Hurdle. I'd like Black Jack Ketchum to run well. I'd like a pie too.

1443: Well that was closer although to be fair I'd been sulking for a long way after Our Vic's seemingly lifeless display. Knew he wasn't quite going to get there. However his brave second means the ladies in the pamper zone are spared from waxing my back.

1430: If - as will inevitably happen - Our Vic runs badly, I'm off for a session in the pamper zone.

1425: Quite convinced Too Forward is going to run a big race here. So I've backed Our Vic. Don't know why.

1415: The familar feeling of failure is back with me. Don't know why I bet.

1345: Venetia Williams is wearing sunglasses while someone in the press room was forecasting snow for this afternoon. I'm off down to the lawn to roar home the first winner. Coat is coming with me.

1335: They've just named the winner of the best dressed lady competition. I disagree with the panel's decision as there was no lillac in the winning skirt/jacket combination.

1325: Feel a tad tipsy after the Whiskey Slice. Alcohol in food always has an effect on me. I was once trolleyed after a beef and Guinness pie in Scarborough.

1315: Simon Locke has reminded me that I promised to pass on the horse there is a "buzz" over for the World Hurdle. It is Overstrand, trained by the good doctor. Simon also tells me pink is not a good colour for hiding back sweat so the suit jacket is now on.

1310: Another loser as all the pies have gone. I am reduced to eating my Whiskey Slice in a sulk.

1305: Robert Thornton won the Guinness Festival award for Wednesday. He was one of mine. If Ruby Walsh gets New Little Bric home in the opener he is a shoe-in for a nomination.

1300: New Little Bric in the first. Easy this game. Pondering whether to have pie and mash for lunch.

1255: Just writing out the bets for today. Current tally stands at one winner from 12 races. I drew a blank over the whole meeting two years ago so things are looking up.

1245: There is a pamper zone for women to relax in today. Sexist that. Some of the male breed also need "my time".

1230: Charlie Chaplin lookalike is back along with the Mad Hatter who is juggling today. The man on stilts, a policeman yesterday, is a country gent today in a tweed suit. He should pop to the fashion show for a few new ideas.

1200: Head scarves are going to be big this spring, mark my words. It looks like the bikini is making a comeback too as a three-quarter length trousers. There's another fashion show at 1230. Wonder if it's just a rehash of the first one. I'm going anyway.

1150: Fashion show quite simply brilliant. I was right about the lillac, there was a lovely trouser suit in my new favourite colour. However I'm sad to report the tone was lowered by one or two people who wolf-whistled and shouted inappropriate comments during the underwear and beachwear sections. They didn't spoil it for those us more interested in looking at clothes than flesh though.

1120: The Jazzberries surprised me. Very pleasant on the ears but they are fighting a losing battle. They have to leave the stage in ten minutes for the fashion show. It is the new Per Una April collection designed by George Davis. I am expecting to see a lot of lillac.

1100: Right music lovers I'm off out to get my fill fuelled by a hand made Whiskey Slice courtesy of Horseracing Ireland. There is a fashion show on at 11.30 too. Going to make an appearance there in my pink shirt. It is causing quite a stir.

1055: I'm starting with the Jazzberries. Hope they don't play jazz. Johnny hated it and so do I.

1050: The Festival is the place to be for music lovers. Today we have Jazzberries on in the Centaur, Boogie Nights the Best Mate Enclosure, "Cheltenham Festivals" the Community Stage, Patrick's Parade in the Winged Ox and the Master Butchers & Paragon Jazz Band in the Tented Village. I'm off out to sample each and every one of them.

1047: Electric violins are £350. If the Exacta lands today I may go home with one.

1045: Something very soothing on the Community Stage. A guy playing an electric violin. Didn't know you could buy them. Wonder how much they are?

1030: As I power walked to the track from Bishops Cleeve I suffered the agony of witnessing a rotund chap, cooking breakfast in front of a tent. He was only wearing briefs. He did bid me "good morning". I didn't know where to look.

1020: David Williams of Ladbrokes is wearing gloves today. Never crossed my mind to bring mine. Big fan of them too.

1000: It's ladies day and I'm showing solidarity with the sisters by wearing a pink shirt. I've had to borrow a tie from a friend who has threatened to "batter me" if I spill anything on it. Nill by mouth the order of the day. It's cooler than the other two days and not as sunny. Raining later too. Won't be roving much in the showers.