“I had an early start today after spending most of yesterday moving an edit suite and our equipment into the press office at the NEC. I am one of those annoying people who want to get everything done before it’s even happened, so find the waiting to get to the start of an event very frustrating!

I spent the first hour or two writing lists, photocopying scripts and getting course plans together for the crew - all things that help keep things running smoothly. The team from ITV Anglia that we hired to film the event are fantastic; Pete & Dan are masters at staying calm and quietly get everything done.

Today we need to get some shots and interviews in the stable area, so, accompanied by Sarah from Grandstand Media, we set off in convoy to try and track down some unsuspecting riders. Three hours later and we have done so much I can’t believe it! We have a great interview with William Whitaker and a whole heap of links and pieces to camera with Karl, so I’m very happy with the day so far and have lots ticked off my list.

In the afternoon, we chat with Bob Ellis the course designer about the planning involved in a show of this size and then film him running around the arena setting up a course.

At 6pm, we rehearse a complete run through of a class, even though we won’t actually record and transmit it. This is so all of us can find our feet before the main event, hopefully to eliminate mistakes later on. Director Nigel is based in a truck outside, where he cuts between cameras in various positions around the arena and my camera based in the collecting ring and tunnel. It’s my job to direct the cameraman for shots behind the scenes and to help Karl get quick interviews with the riders as they leave the ring. As you can imagine, some are happier than others to have a chat and the language can be a bit dodgy.

After a quick meal break, we get back into position for the British Open First Competition. It’s the first of four legs to decide the winner of the title of the British Open Championship 2009 and is a one-round speed event. After an exciting class, Robert Whitaker on Lacroix 9 takes the prize, with Guy Williams in second and John Whitaker in third. Robert Smith, who we spent time with last week, comes in fifth on Vangelis so happily he’s still in the running.

We finally finish at about 11pm, but it’s been a great day. We head back to the hotel for a couple of drinks and an early-ish night - but I spent most of it awake thinking about tomorrow.”