1st February 2021

It was great to see Dorking Boy back in the winner’s circle and lovely to be able to give Jason a chance. Dorking Boy has not done much wrong in his life, when it has gone wrong for him it has nearly always been human error most of which has been mine. I thought Teescomponentslass ran with great promise, she will be a better filly for a good summer, a trip and a hurdle in front of her. She’s one to look forward too and will have her days in the spotlight. Le Grand Fromage disappointed, we will be patient and wait for better ground for him and step up in trip. Gold Claremont will have to shape up otherwise she will be on the transfer list before she knows it.

Typical routine Monday morning canters for most of the horses this morning. Eastern, Benito, Stung for Cash and Mr Melda schooled over hurdles. 

The rain on Saturday was biblical, thankfully, I was in the dry at Doncaster but the boys got drenched riding out, I’ve never seem a rusty man or horse yet. The days of doing them up are long gone. 

I can’t see a whole lot of racing taking place this week but we head up to Newcastle with You Name Him, Hunting Percival and Tea Clipper on Tuesday. These jumper’s bumpers have been very good, I am a big fan and think the number of entries suggest that many other trainers are delighted to have them too. To read my thoughts on the aforementioned runners click here.

It is no surprise Brian Hughes is supporting the joke of four inspections before racing at Sedgefield was abondomed. He lives down the road.  I just don't understand where the pressure is coming from. They know damn well if racing would be possible way before they decided to cancel, if they don't know they need to change jobs. 

Ruby Walsh spoke about unaccountability of racing's governing bodies on both sides of the Irish Sea yesterday. If he bothered to read this he would know I've been banging on about exactly that for at least a year. Not to worry, they will apologise for their mistakes and that will be that.