17th March 2017

What a brilliant 4 days racing we have all had the pleasure of enjoying. There is no other stage as big as Cheltenham in National Hunt racing anywhere else in the world. It is so huge I can only imagine the organization of it all for next year begins tomorrow. I know I said I’d like to see Willie Mullins get a winner or two but didn’t quiet expect him smash the place up with them. Some horses received outstanding rides, would Yorkhill have got a such a smooth run up the inside in The JTL a few years ago. I didn't hear of one whip ban - the standard of riding is outstanding. 

The sales last night was electric, the demand for form horses is huge and long may it continue. The sums of money changing hands doesn’t always paint a full picture of the vendors situation. Buying store horses to race is huge risk and the jackpots have to carry the ones that don’t come up to scratch.

I just scrapped home in the yard selection competition run by bookie Albert, a sum of £60 will be heading to Katharine House Hospice. What Katharine House offers for people and their families is incredible. I know it costs an absolute fortune to run and there is no better place to send a few quid if your feeling generous or get lucky on the horses. It is a hospice very close to my heart, when I was fitter and not quite so busy I raised £20,000 for then running the London marathon.

This morning, Midnight Monty, Bhakti, Storm Nelson, Super Sid and Jester jet jumped 6 or 9 hurdles. Jester Jet has plenty of entries in the foreseeable future and will miss Uttoxeter tomorrow. Vado Forte will go to Kempton tomorrow to make his debut; it is a competitive enough race with plenty of unknowns.